Uncovered Bulk Ice Storage Bin
Hi Everyone,
I am currently working with a packaged ice producer and during my inspection of their production facility I noticed that the bin used to collect the ice cubes and stored it prior to packaging does not have a cover. The bin's capacity is about 10 tonnes of ice cubes and is located in a secured refrigerated room. There is control of traffic into the room and the space is specifically dedicated to housing the ice bin and the augers to take the ice cubes to the packaging line.
I think that an uncovered ice bin presents the risk of airborne contamination. The air in the room is not filtered and the room is kept cold (2-4 Celcius) by the action of larger blowers which recirculate and cool the air in the room.
I have tried looking at pictures of similar ice bins online but unfortunately no pictures of the tops are available.
Do you think the bin needs a cover or is the risk of airborne contamination low?
Hi Everyone,
I am currently working with a packaged ice producer and during my inspection of their production facility I noticed that the bin used to collect the ice cubes and stored it prior to packaging does not have a cover. The bin's capacity is about 10 tonnes of ice cubes and is located in a secured refrigerated room. There is control of traffic into the room and the space is specifically dedicated to housing the ice bin and the augers to take the ice cubes to the packaging line.
I think that an uncovered ice bin presents the risk of airborne contamination. The air in the room is not filtered and the room is kept cold (2-4 Celcius) by the action of larger blowers which recirculate and cool the air in the room.
I have tried looking at pictures of similar ice bins online but unfortunately no pictures of the tops are available.
Do you think the bin needs a cover or is the risk of airborne contamination low?
Hi, Srose;
The risk is difficult to estimate without firsthand observations. I would assume by the info provided by your post that the company has taken appropriate measures to minimize contamination. My first concern would be the cleaning schedule and validation of cooling units, containers, conveyance, walls and ceilings. Second would be to proof with testing via air plates for yeast/mold, and tbc. Air is not normally the first consideration in this matter (depending very much on the type of ice and storage) but the containers and means of conveyance to packaging (IMEX).