Ice Machine Hygiene
EU legislation considers water and ice to be food, which means operators are responsible for complying with the applicable hygiene regulations. Due to the hygienic design of our ice machines, along with practical advice ZIEGRA provides the means to meet the prescriptions for ice hygiene. Contamination can be caused by anything which touches the ice such as people, raw food or contaminated ice scoops. It can also be caused by dust and dirt entering the ice storage or even the misuse of cleaning chemicals. Ice is commonly used in food production facilities for cooling products during processing of sausage, bread and vegetables for instance. Ice is also used for contact cooling or display of raw perishable products such as fish and field vegetables. Whenever ice is used in the production or refrigeration of foodstuff, hygiene needs to be a high priority. Today no food manufacturer can afford the risk of contamination from any source, including the use of ice. Ziegra machines have a closed, single pass water system and filtration systems as standard for ice as pure as mains water. Many ice machines use a recirculation system, which increases the risk of bacterial growth. By following a few simple guidelines good hygiene is easily attained with Ziegra machines.
Water Supply Hygiene
- Your Ziegra ice machine should be connected via the water filtration unit supplied directly to a potable mains water supply. The water filtration system must be fitted and should never be by-passed. Avoid connecting the machine to a water tank where possible. If this is unavoidable contact Ziegra for advice.
- The filter cartridge should be changed at the prescribed intervals or when blocked, whichever is sooner. Cartridges left in service too long can become a breeding ground for bacteria introduced through the water supply and are ineffective against waterborne minerals once their service period has passed. If these minerals are allowed to deposit inside the machine, these deposits become a microscopic coral reef for the bacteria, increasing proliferation and making sanitation extremely difficult.
- Regularly sanitise your machine by flushing Ziegra sanitizer through it to kill bacteria introduced into the internal water system from the water supply. Use of other types of non-approved sanitizer may damage internal components and is at the operators risk. Empty and clean the ice storage bin at the same time as per the instructions below.
- Sanitizer Data (click Here)
Follow sanitary ice handling procedures
- Dedicated ice scoops or shovels should be used and these should not be used for any other purpose. They should be cleaned regularly with Ziegra sanitizer and should not be stored in the ice bin when not in use. Inspect all tools at regular intervals and replace any tools that show signs of damage.
- Personnel handling ice should have clean hands and gloves, clean clothing, hair nets etc. The ice should only be removed from the bin using the dedicated tools above. Hands should never be used
- The door/hatch of the ice storage bin should only be opened when ice is being removed
- The ice storage bin should not be used for the storage of anything other than ice.
- If ice is stored in carts, keep the cart lids on to prevent foreign objects from falling into the ice.
- Regularly clean the external surfaces of the ice machine
- The machine should be sited in an area that is clean, free from airborne contaminants and preferably off the ground and away from any sources of heat.
- The machine should only be installed by those technically competent to do so and only in accordance to Ziegra guidelines as regards operating temperatures, ventilation, water source and connections.
- Always maintain the machine as per the servicing guidelines from Ziegra, particularly in hard water areas.
- The ice storage compartment should be cleaned regularly with warm soapy water and the internal surfaces in contact with the ice wiped out with Ziegra sanitser afterwards to prevent the build-up of bacteria. It should be monitored for any growth of scum or slime, and if such growths become apparent, it should be immediately cleaned and sanitised. Always clean the bin whenever the machine is sanitized internally (see water supply hygiene above)
- The ice that has been removed from the machine to allow for cleaning should be disposed of, and it should not be returned to the ice machine.
- Maintain the external panels of the machine and bin in a clean condition, wiping down regularly with soap and water. Remember Ice machines are air breathing equipment, so should not be washed aggressively with a pressure lance. If located in a wash down area, protect the machine with a plastic cover during cleaning operations. We would advise putting a notice on the machine to this effect.
- At regular intervals remove the panels from the machine and clean the internal components using a vacuum cleaner and damp cloths.
Health and Safety
- Before proceeding with any cleaning operation, ensure that the electrical power supply to the machine is switched off and the water line is closed.
- For situations where hygiene is particularly important or difficult, please consider the following additional hygiene related options available with your Ziegra machine.
germs which get into the machine through the water pipes are killed before ice production starts
HygienePLUS: automatic water drain
to prevent stagnant water at standstill of machine.
HygienePLUS: automatic flushing
of all water conducting parts.
HygienePLUS: flushing with disinfection
for all water conducting parts.
for water conducting (and possibly scaled) parts. Easy to exchange and reasonable in price.
for highest hygiene requirements.
For more information, please use this link to CONTACT us.