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PPriority · FDA Food Code 3-303.11 · Immediate correction (Priority)

How to fix: Ice Used as Food Ingredient — Contamination Risk

Ice used to cool drinks or chill food was also used to store food packages or non-food items, contaminating the ice intended for human consumption.

What this violation means

FDA Food Code 3-303.11 prohibits the use of ice as a food ingredient or for chilling beverages if that same ice has been used to store packaged food or to chill equipment. Ice that has been in contact with exterior packaging, seafood, or non-food items can become contaminated and must not be served as part of a drink or used as a food ingredient. Many operations keep bottled drinks in ice bins and then use scoop from the same bin for beverage ice — if the bottles are not clean and sanitized, this is a violation. This is a Priority violation because contaminated ice is consumed directly.

Step-by-step: how to fix this before re-inspection

1Remove all packaged beverages and non-food items from beverage ice bins immediately
2Discard any ice that has been in contact with food packaging, bottles, or non-food items
3Designate separate ice for chilling food displays vs. for beverage service — never interchange them
4Store ice scoops in a clean holder outside the ice bin — never inside the ice
5Clean and sanitize ice bins and the ice machine interior on a scheduled basis

What the inspector rechecks at re-inspection

WHAT THE INSPECTOR CHECKS

Inspectors do not just look at the surface. For this violation, expect them to verify:

☐Checks whether bottled beverages, canned goods, or packaged food are stored in ice used for beverage service
☐Looks for any non-food items (towels, scoops, bottles) stored in or on ice bins
☐Verifies ice used for chilling cooked food or display is discarded and not reused for drinks
☐Checks that ice scoops are stored in a clean, protected location — not in the ice
☐Inspects ice machine for cleanliness and the presence of mold or slime

How to prevent this violation from recurring

Post a sign above every ice bin: "Beverage ice only — no packages or non-food items"
Include ice bin inspection on your opening checklist
Clean ice machines monthly and document with a log

Related violations to check

Ice Machine Mold or Slime Buildup→Food Not Covered or Protected→Cross-Contamination of Raw and Ready-to-Eat Food→
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This document is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee a passing re-inspection score. Always verify requirements with your local health department. Fix steps are based on FDA Food Code 3-303.11; individual jurisdictions may have additional requirements.

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