Why you should order your drinks without ice this summer

pouring drink pouring drink
It can be tempting to order ice this summer.
successo images/Shutterstock
  • Your favorite beverage over ice can hit the spot on a steamy summer day.
  • But even if it cools you down several degrees, it may not be worth the bacteria you're getting in return.
  •  Several studies have been conducted that have found ice and ice machine contamination.
  • To find out what causes the bacteria in restaurant and bar ice, INSIDER spoke with Dr. Tania Elliott.

What's better than an iced, cold glass of water on a hot summer day? Not much. But would you give that same answer if you knew your ice could be teeming with bacteria?

Over the past decade, several studies have been done that have warned people of ice and ice machine contamination, including a study done by The Mail on fast-food franchises found ice from six out of 10 fast food restaurants has more bacteria than toilet water. Although the "investigation" doesn't make clear how much of the ice taken from each of the 10 establishments was tested, it's enough to make one think twice about ordering ice in their drink.

INSIDER spoke with Dr. Tania Elliott, internist, allergist, and chief medical officer at EHE to find out what causes the bacteria in the first place and why you may want to skip the ice the next time you go out to eat.

Ice machines cleaning laws are quite vague.

Ice machine
The cleaning requirements are vague for ice machines.
Flickr/Mike Mozart

The FDA requires ice machines to be cleaned and sanitized, as mandated by law. The frequency recommendation is typically two to four times per year, depending on the manufacturer of the ice machine, according to Dr. Elliott.

These recommendations, however, don't account for how frequently the ice machines are used, where they are located, and what the water conditions are, Dr. Elliott said. This can cause ice machines to swarm with bacteria

The ice chute and ice grill spreads more germs.

toy story land cocktail alcoholic drinks
Your ice could be contaminated with germs.
Kirsten Acuna/INSIDER

Even if restaurant ice machines are cleaned per the recommendation, it may not be done properly as to avoid contamination.

When ice comes out of the chute, residual condensation is left on the chute’s surface each time the machine is used, Dr. Elliott explained, because ice begins to melt as soon as it exits the machine.

Many people often don't think to sanitize this area, Dr. Elliott explained, which can cause bacteria and viruses. Each time the ice comes through the chute, it is exposed to the surface, and in turn, contaminates the ice.

Besides the ice chute spreading germs, the ice grill is also a risk factor, according to Dr. Elliott.

"Ice also often falls through the ice grill, which results in splattering, which can cause contaminated water to hit the surface of cups and the hands of people using the machine," she told INSIDER.

Employees who handle ice can be at fault for contaminating your ice.

soap bathroom sink
Employees not washing their hands properly could be to blame.
Max Pixel

Ice contamination can also be caused by restaurant and bar employees, as germs are easily spread onto your ice when employees fail to wash their hands properly, according to Reader's Digest.

For instance, their hands could easily bump the ice while scooping with a glass or even the scoop’s handle could touch the ice after an employee handles it. NBC reported several cases of norovirus from ice contamination, which could've been avoided if employees had simply washed their hands properly.

You usually can’t tell if your ice is contaminated.

Unfortunately, contaminated ice will look, smell, and taste just fine. But if there is a murky color or moldy smell to it, Dr. Elliott said, definitely don't drink it. She, personally, stays away from ice when she goes out.

For more great stories, head to INSIDER's homepage.

SEE ALSO: Chefs reveal the foods you should never order at a restaurant

FOLLOW US: INSIDER is on Facebook

More: Freelancer Ice Restaurants Germs