In the UK, ice is classified as food, and as such, it’s subject to the food safety guidelines set by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Not keeping up with the maintenance and cleaning of ice machines, water and ice dispensers and ice storage bins can lead to violations of these food safety guidelines, potentially jeopardising the health and safety of consumers. In this blog, we’ll look into the reasons why regular cleaning is essential, the FSA policies that apply, and the consequences of non-compliance. 

Food Safety Guidelines – The Food Standards Agency

The FSA emphasises that ice should be treated as a food product and handled with the same level of care and attention as other food items. This means that ice should be produced, stored, and served in a manner that minimises the risk of contamination and ensures its safety for consumption.

Consequences Of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the Food Safety Act 1990 can lead to legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The severity of the penalties may vary depending on the nature and extent of the non-compliance.

Business closure: Authorities have the power to close down food establishments that pose a significant risk to public health. If serious breaches of food safety regulations are identified, the local authority may issue a closure notice, temporarily or permanently shutting down the establishment until the necessary improvements are made.

Damage to reputation: Non-compliance with food safety regulations can damage the reputation of an establishment. Negative publicity, customer complaints, and poor reviews can have a significant impact on the business’s image and customer trust.

Legal action by consumers: In cases where non-compliance leads to illness or injury, affected individuals may take legal action against the business for compensation. This can result in financial liabilities and further damage to the business’s reputation.

Conclusion

Hospitality businesses that have ice machines must prioritise compliance with food safety guidelines to protect public health, maintain a positive reputation, and avoid potential legal consequences. 

It’s recommended that you get a professional to maintain your ice machine, ice and water dispenser or ice storage bin at least twice a year. On top of that, you may need to have daily/weekly maintenance depending on the machine you have. 

Many organisations make the mistake of replacing these appliances year after year without considering the financial and environmental implications.

In this blog post, we’ll explain why servicing and repairing an ice machine or dispenser is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach than opting for frequent replacements.

Saving Money:

The primary reason to prioritise servicing and repair over yearly replacements is the potential for significant cost savings. Investing in a high-quality ice machine can initially be more expensive, but with regular maintenance and repairs, it can easily last up to four years, and outlast multiple replacements. Here’s why repairing makes better financial sense:

1. Reduced equipment costs: Ice machines and dispensers can sometimes be quite expensive to purchase outright. By extending the lifespan of your existing equipment through servicing and repairs, you can avoid the financial strain of constantly buying new appliances.
2. Lower installation expenses: Every time you replace an appliance, it incurs additional installation costs. These expenses may include fitting the new equipment, providing power and water connections, and disposing of the old unit. Servicing and repairing eliminate or significantly reduce these expenditures.
3. Enhanced equipment efficiency: Over time, ice machines may face performance issues due to wear and tear. Faulty cooling systems or clogged filters significantly reduce an appliance’s efficiency, leading to higher energy consumption and inflated utility bills. Regular servicing ensures optimal efficiency, providing ongoing energy savings.

Environmental Benefits:

Choosing to service and repair ice machines instead of replacing them annually also benefits the environment by reducing waste. The manufacturing and disposal of equipment contribute to environmental degradation. When you constantly replace ice machines, you unnecessarily contribute to electronic waste, which often ends up in landfills. By extending the lifespan of your appliances through regular maintenance, you help reduce this e-waste and its harmful impact on ecosystems.

Uninterrupted Operations and Customer Satisfaction:

Ice machines are crucial for businesses in the food service, hospitality, and healthcare industries. Frequent replacements disrupt operations and can lead to customer dissatisfaction. By servicing and repairing existing machines, you ensure uninterrupted ice production and reliable service, ultimately meeting your customers’ expectations while reducing downtime and any related financial setbacks.

Conclusion:

Choosing to service and repair your ice machines and dispensers instead of replacing them every year is a financially beneficial and environmentally responsible decision. The cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and uninterrupted operations make regular maintenance a highly beneficial choice. By investing in proper upkeep, you not only extend the lifespan of your equipment but also contribute toward a greener and more sustainable future.

In addition, embracing the greener option can also enhance a company’s reputation and brand image. Consumers today are increasingly concerned about environmental issues and are more likely to support businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

COMMERCIAL V INDUSTRIAL ICE MACHINES

When it comes to ice making, businesses rely heavily on ice machines to keep their operations running smoothly. However, many business owners may not be aware that there are different types of ice machines available for their use, specifically industrial ice machines and commercial ice machines. While they may seem similar, there are significant differences between the two. But what are the differences between commercial v industrial ice machines?

THE MAIN DIFFERENCES

The main difference between industrial ice machines and commercial ice machines is the amount of ice produced. Industrial ice machines are designed to produce large amounts of ice rapidly, typically up to 10 tons/20,000 pounds of ice per day. These machines are meant for industries that require a lot of ice, such as fisheries, meat processing plants, and large-scale food and beverage operations that need to keep things chilled.

On the other hand, commercial ice machines are designed to produce smaller amounts of ice at a slower rate. They are best suited for businesses such as restaurants, cafes, and bars that need a reliable source of ice but don’t require the massive amounts produced by industrial ice machines. Commercial ice machines typically produce anywhere from 50 to 1,000 pounds of ice per day.

Industrial ice machines are for high volume, high capacity and high output meaning they can make a lot of ice in a short period of time. They are designed to produce up to 20,000lbs ice per day. 

THE SIZE

Another key difference between industrial ice machines and commercial ice machines is their construction.

Industrial ice machines are built to handle heavy demands, with a more robust construction that can withstand the rigours of constant use. Commercial ice machines are typically more compact and designed to fit in small spaces and under counters, making them ideal for businesses with limited space.

Overall, choosing between industrial ice machines and commercial ice machines will depend on the specific needs of your business. If you require a large amount of ice every day, then an industrial ice machine may be the way to go.

However, if you are looking for a reliable source of ice for your restaurant or bar, then a commercial ice machine may be sufficient. In conclusion, it’s essential to understand the differences between industrial ice machines and commercial ice machines to make an informed decision for your business.

Both machines have their advantages, so it’s important to consider your specific needs before making a final choice. With the right ice machine, you can ensure that your business stays fully stocked with ice, keeping your customers happy and your operations running smoothly.

Ice-making has traditionally relied on large amounts of energy to power ice machines and refrigeration systems, as well as using harmful refrigerants. There are now greener solutions, and Follett is one of the companies leading the way forward in this industry for energy efficient ice machines.  One of their top priorities is reducing its environmental impact. To that end, they have developed a range of products and initiatives that are designed to minimise energy consumption, reduce waste, and promote sustainability throughout the entire ice-making process. 

Here are some of the key ways that Follett is making a difference in the world of ice-making: 

Eco-Friendly Refrigerants

In the past, ice machines have used refrigerants that are harmful to the environment. All Follett ice machines, ice and water dispensers, under-counter refrigerators and freezers now use environmentally friendly (CFC-free) refrigerants – either R404a, R134a or low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants.

One energy efficient ice machine includes the Follett Symphony Plus E12 series dispensers that use R290, a natural refrigerant with a very low GWP. 

Energy Star Rating

All Horizon self-contained air-cooled ice machines are ENERGY STAR® qualified (US only)

Horizon ice machines use an industry-exclusive aluminium bronze evaporator that’s twice as conductive as stainless steel to help reduce the load on the gear motor. With continuous ice production, the cycle is never reversed for ice removal like an ice machine, and it uses 40% less water than comparable ice machines.

Conclusion

Follett is a company that cares about the environment and is committed to reducing its ecological footprint. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, it’s reassuring to know that companies like Follett are doing their part to minimise their impact on our planet, and this is why Ice Cool Servicing choose to partner with them. 

Explore Follett’s energy efficient ice machines today!