3-7.
SUMMARY
a. The widespread use of ice in drinks and food refrigeration makes it a
potential means of spreading waterborne disease. Most preventive medicine
specialists will conduct inspections of ice plants during their careers.
b. AR 40-5 set standards for ice plants with the goal of ensuring that ice is
manufactured in a safe and sanitary manner. The topics discussed in AR 40-5 are:
building requirements; equipment maintenance; water requirements; personnel
requirements; transport requirements; and inspection requirements.
c. A sample checklist for ice plants is included in the text. A preventive
medicine specialist should be familiar with the items on the checklist and use the
checklist as well as personal knowledge when evaluating the plant.
d. Many of the health hazards associated with ice can come from
carelessness in manufacturing. The text presents a brief description of the
manufacturing process and materials used in manufacturing.
e. Since ice is frozen water, the primary health hazard associated with ice is
the transmission of waterborne diseases. Low temperatures do not kill certain
microorganisms and can even favor the growth of some microorganisms.
f. To prevent the spread of waterborne disease, certain control measures
are taken. Controls focus on water quality and proper design and maintenance of
buildings and equipment.
MD0166
3-10