Which action would reduce cross-contamination when serving beverages from a cooler that previously held raw cans?

• A. Reuse the ice from the same cooler
• B. Freeze the ice first
• C. Add water to the ice to dilute pathogens
• D. Use clean ice that has not contacted the outside surfaces

Answer: (D)

Preventing cross-contamination hinges on ensuring anything that touches beverages hasn’t picked up pathogens from surfaces that could be contaminated. Ice is a common vehicle for transferring germs, so the safest practice is to use clean ice that has not contacted the outside surfaces of the cooler or any raw-product contact areas. If ice has touched those surfaces, pathogens from raw cans could transfer into the ice and then into drinks.

Reusing ice from the same cooler risks carrying contaminants from the interior or from touching raw cans; freezing ice first doesn’t remove any contamination that’s already present; adding water to the ice to dilute pathogens is not a reliable or safe method and can introduce other contaminants. Using clean ice that hasn’t touched exterior surfaces minimizes the chance of transferring microbes to the beverages. Remember to keep ice in a clean, dedicated bin and use proper handling tools to maintain cleanliness.