0.0 FOREWORD

Water that is clear and colourless gives the impression of being safe for human consumption. However, this may not be correct, because both dangerous bacteria and objectionable minerals may be present, but invisible. Public health is vitally affected by the public water supplies because of the ease with which pathogenic bacteria and chemical substances enter supply sources.

The fact that these disease causing organisms are so easily spread makes it imperative that all equipment and utensils, be regularly cleaned and sanitized. Effective cleaning and sanitizing requires that visible soil be removed and microorganisms, which are not visible, be destroyed. To prevent dangerous contamination by contact surfaces, utensils and equipment, an efficient cleaning and disinfecting programme must be carried out on a regular schedule, utilizing effective materials.

Ice is widely consumed in foods and drinks. In its course of manufacture, transportation, storage, handling and distribution, ice is open to microbial contamination from a variety of sources including the water freezing equipment, containers and persons engaged in its manufacture.

The cleanliness, health and habits of employees especially those directly involved in the manufacturing process are important because people frequently serve the hosts or carriers for disease causing organisms which are so easily spread.

Unless the manufacture, transport, storage and handling of ice is governed by strict hygienic conditions the quality of the ice cannot be considered as safe for human consumption. It is essential that on melting, the ice shall give water of potable quality in its bacteriological, physical and chemical features. These factors have been considered in the preparation of this document.

This standard was prepared and issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Bureau of Standards for the protection, health and safety of the consumer. It is a mandatory standard.

1.0 SCOPE

This standard specifies the sanitary requirements for Prepackaged Ice. It also gives information regarding the quality of the water used in manufacturing ice as well as the handling procedures which shall be adopted.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Please contact us for ordering details at:

Cnr. Redcliffe Street and Corn Alley
Telephone (268) 462-2424
Fax (268) 462-1625
Email: abbs@antigua.gov.ag