CONCLUSION
40. This study found that all the ice samples taken from the manufacturing plants satisfied with the criteria for total coliforms and E. coli (absence in 100ml) as specified in the WHO drinking water guideline.
41. As regards ice taken from retail businesses, E. coli was not detected in all the samples, implying that the likelihood of enteric infection from the consumption of ice is low. A small proportion of samples did not satisfy our suggested criteria with respect to total coliform and ACC. That is, 9% and 3% of samples from retail outlets did not satisfy the criteria for total coliform (100 cfu/100ml) and ACC (1 000 cfu/ml). Ice samples sourcing from manufacturing plants had a significantly higher ACC and coliform counts. Contamination of external surface of ice bags during transport and storage as well as contamination of ice during opening and unpacking of the ice bags are the most probable causes for the findings.
42. Potable water supply, good handling and good hygiene practices are prerequisites to the production of good quality ice. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has developed "Guidelines on Hygienic Production and Handling of Ice in Food Premises" (Annex) for retail food businesses producing and handling ice for human consumption