KOMPAS.com– When walking and traveling, we often find street vendors selling fresh drinks such as iced tea with added ice cubes.
However, the ice used in these drinks may not be of good quality and can cause various health problems.
The important question we need to answer is, is it safe to consume drinks from street vendors?
Also read: Why are ice cubes not clear or grainy?
The answer lies in the type of ice used, whether it is ice from raw water or fresh water.
The following is an explanation of the types of ice and the negative effects of using raw ice in drinks.
Types of ice
In general, there are two types of ice: Ice from raw water and boiled water.
Ice from boiled water
As the name suggests, this ice is made from clean and boiled water, so it is completely transparent because it goes through a cleaning process. Usually, this ice is cube-shaped and safe for health.
Ice from raw water
The dangers of raw ice are often overlooked. This ice is made from untreated and cooked water, so it contains many health risks if not handled properly.
Unlike commercially produced ice, raw ice does not go through a refining process so it may contain contaminants and impurities.
Also read: 4 Ways to Clean Fresh Milkfish, Don’t Forget to Add Ice Cubes
Adverse effects of ice from raw water
Using ice from raw water has various health risks, including:
Bacterial and pathogenic contamination
Unboiled water used to make raw ice can contain dangerous microorganisms such as E. coli bacteria and viruses such as norovirus. These microorganisms can cause gastrointestinal illness when consumed.
Dirt and pollutant content
Ice from raw water can also contain dirt, debris, and other pollutants from the water source. This increases the risk of further contamination.
Illustration of ice cubesThe disease caused
Consuming drinks that use raw ice can cause foodborne illnesses.
Symptoms range from mild indigestion to more severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.
Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of being affected.
Also read: How to Store Fresh Fish Without a Refrigerator, You Can Use Ice Cubes and Salt
Preventive measure
To minimize the risks from using raw ice, here are precautionary steps you can take:
- Avoid using raw ice made from untreated water sources, such as well water or unboiled tap water.
- Use commercially produced ice or ice made from filtered and purified boiled water.
- Make sure ice making equipment is cleaned and sterilized regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
- Store ice in a clean and closed container to maintain its quality and safety.
- When consuming drinks or foods that contain ice, pay attention to the source and quality of the ice used. If in doubt about the safety of raw ice, it is best to avoid consuming it.
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