If you’re currently enjoying an iced coffee from a major chain, you may want to set it down after reading this. Researchers decided to test the ice used in the U.K from three major chains including Starbucks and found something unpleasant inside the ice.
Three out of ten ice samples collected from Starbucks and Caffè Nero were found to be contaminated with bacteria commonly found in human feces.
Worse 7 out of 10 samples from Costa Coffee were contaminated.
Gross, right?
The bacteria found were fecal coliforms which form inside the intestines of mammals. A famous example of a fecal coliform is Escherichia coli or E.coli.
While it’s widely known that E. coli can lead to severe food poisoning, it’s important to note that the bacteria discovered in the ice at these coffee chains did not include E. coli. Let’s focus on the positive side of things.
In addition to testing ice samples, researchers also assessed the cleanliness of trays, tables, and chairs in a selection of 30 stores from each chain.
“The level of contamination of fecal bacteria concerns me a great deal.” Said Tony Lewis who is a spokesperson for the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. “The bacteria are opportunistic pathogens – the source of human disease. These should not be present at any level, never mind the significant numbers found.”
After the results were published, the three chains in question say they are taking action. “All employees nationwide have received updated training on our high standards of hygiene including ice handling.” Said a spokesperson for Starbucks who say they are performing an internal investigation and that hygiene is always taken seriously.
Representatives from the other two chains also voiced concerns regarding the investigation’s findings and are collaborating with their staff to enhance training and rebuild consumer trust in their establishments.
With the implementation of new training measures, it is hoped that consumers in the U.K. will no longer encounter fecal bacteria alongside their iced lattes.
