Although it has no nutritional value, ice is considered a foodstuff by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must be stored and treated as food. As a result, your commercial ice machine must be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure it's free of contaminants, working properly, and can pass inspections by the relevant local health board. Pacific Ice Services, a respected commercial appliance repair and maintenance service in Honolulu, HI, explains below what an inspector looks for and signs your ice machine could be malfunctioning.

What Health Inspectors Look for in Your Ice Machine

Cold temperature does not kill viruses or bacteria, it merely slows their growth, so inspectors look carefully at your ice machine. They'll inspect the ice itself for contaminants such as food spills and look for mold growth inside and around the ice bin. Also, the ice scoop must be kept clean. The inspector will check the inside temperature, may check the water pressure feeding the machine, and will look for any potential contaminants—like glass, cleansers, or other substances—near the ice machine. There must also be a sufficient air gap in the ice machine drain line, for there can be no direct connection between a sewage line and a food storage drain.

Signs Your Ice Machine Needs Repair

There are several signs that your ice machine is failing. For instance, undersized ice cubes indicate there could be a problem with the water pressure or a clogged filter. On the other hand, oversized cubes could indicate a leak at the inlet valve. The larger ice chunks could also get stuck in the evaporator and disrupt the system. Another sign is low ice output. This could signify a problem with the internal temperature of the ice maker, or it could simply mean the ambient air temperature or water supply temperature is too warm.

The information above should help you understand why regular cleaning and maintenance of your commercial ice machine is essential. Contact Pacific Ice Services in Oahu. They've served businesses throughout the Island since 1973. Visit their website to schedule service, or call (808) 839-6839 for appliance repair.