Crushed Ice

Ice made from frozen drinking water, such as crushed ice, is a foodstuff. It cools cocktails, keeps fish and seafood fresh in refrigerated counters and is used in food production, for example for sausages. We test your ice microbiologically so that you meet the requirements for food safety and process hygiene in your in-house self-monitoring.

Legal framework

Businesses that produce, use or sell crushed ice check it as part of their in-house self-monitoring. The ice must meet the requirements of the German drinking water and food hygiene regulations.

In addition, the competent authorities carry out random checks as part of official food monitoring, as in the 2022 Federal Monitoring Plan (Bundesweiter Überwachungsplan, BÜp) of the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety.

Our analysis packages

Water Analysis Standard

Whether the ice is for catering, food production or cooling fish and seafood, our accredited test laboratory analyses your crushed ice for microbial contamination. The scope is based on drinking water standards, with a focus on microbiological parameters.

• E. coli
• Coliform bacteria
• Colony count 22 °C (CFU 22 °C, colony-forming units)
• Colony count 36 °C (CFU 36 °C)
• Enterococci

Do you need a different analysis or further parameters? We are happy to agree the scope with you.

Frequently asked questions

Why should crushed ice be tested?

Testing protects food safety and consumers. Although crushed ice is made from drinking water, it can become contaminated during production, storage and handling.

The tests detect hygiene indicators and potentially harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or enterococci. They show whether legal requirements are being met and whether your hygiene measures are effective. Regular tests confirm that your ice is safe for consumption.

Who should have crushed ice tested?

• Food service establishments that produce ice cubes or crushed ice themselves
• Food businesses that use or sell crushed ice, for example butchers, bakeries, restaurants and bistros, retailers, and fish farmers with their own smokehouse

The tests are part of in-house self-monitoring and should be carried out regularly. This matters because even ice made from drinking water can become contaminated during production, storage and handling.

Would you like to have your crushed ice tested? Send an enquiry