Testing methods for Ice

Hello all, 

I have a client that would like to see more frequent testing of our ice and water supply (used as an ingredient in a product that will undergo a kill step). I have no problem doing this for the water supply. Not sure the ice makes sense. 

The ice in question is manufactured in-house. There is some exposure to flour and minor ingredient dust when the bin is open, so I'm questioning the ability of an ATP-type of test to measure whether the ice is free from contamination. We do empty the bin and perform a full sanitization on the inside and outside weekly, and ATP swab the bin. No high trends. 

Current testing program is to send samples to the lab twice yearly to test for lead, heavy metals, coliform, etc. - the usual. For in-house testing, my options are Hygiena Aquasnap Free or Hygiena Aquasnap Total. According to my sources, free ATP testing measures biological contamination in the water phase of the ice, while total ATP (after cell lysis) includes ATP from live and dead microorganisms, which means maybe the Free test would do the job?

I'm leaning toward more frequent coliform testing at the moment but am curious what others are doing.

I'd do same as water samples just to satisfy their request . Coli/E.coli, total APC. 

Agree with the previous response.  Don't overthink it, this is frozen water, test it like water for TVC at the two different temperatures, Coliforms and E Coli.

I see the validity in the ask.  Ice machines if poorly maintained can be harbourage centres for microbiological contamination as they are frequently "dipped into" and infrequently cleaned.  The growth rate would be slow or nil but the levels of contamination could be high.  I've had an issue with one before.  Worth doing.

Agree with the previous response.  Don't overthink it, this is frozen water, test it like water for TVC at the two different temperatures, Coliforms and E Coli.

 

I see the validity in the ask.  Ice machines if poorly maintained can be harbourage centres for microbiological contamination as they are frequently "dipped into" and infrequently cleaned.  The growth rate would be slow or nil but the levels of contamination could be high.  I've had an issue with one before.  Worth doing.

Thank you, I appreciate the perspective.

I'm always happy to do what clients want but prefer that the activity add value if it can. The ask is certainly valid, and I want to monitor it in the way that makes the most sense. Standard tests it is!

Overthinking is my natural inclination, as I don't like to make decisions without knowing the full scope of what I'm dealing with, but that leads to long research periods, so checking in here is really helpful, lol. 

You are right about that. This site/forum is a job saver.