Ice cubes are often referred to as "the forgotten food." This is because millions of restaurant workers do not treat ice with the same caution as they do some of the other food products they serve. According to a study published by The Daily Mail, restaurant ice cubes contain more bacteria than toilet water! Pretty disturbing stuff considering most restaurant beverages are served with ice.

Fecal matter and other hazardous contaminates have been found lurking in ice cubes and ice machines at many restaurants. Though this hygienic risk has been seen as disgusting, it is not being considered a public health threat. I'm not so sure. Just because you're not dropping dead the minute you consume a beverage doesn't mean it can't be a serious threat to your health.

Depending on the bacteria or virus, symptoms may not occur until several days later. This makes it difficult to track outbreaks. Many folks who think they have the "stomach flu" actually have food poisoning.

Dangerous Contaminants in Your Favorite Restaurant Beverage 

Fecal Matter

Restaurant ice cubes have been proven to contain coliform bacteria. Coliforms are gram-negative non-spore forming bacterium found in human feces. They are the most common bacterial indicator of the sanitary conditions in restaurants, bars, and other food-serving establishments. A team of microbiologists from  Hollins University confirmed that up to 48% of restaurant soda fountains are contaminated with coliform bacteria. Yuck!

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