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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — You’ve probably seen the words “pink slime” on our Restaurant Report Card stories — but what exactly is it?
Biofilm, or pink slime as it’s commonly called, is a frequent sight on ice machines, soda fountains, toilet bowls and as buildup anywhere near water.
This persistent substance is actually a bacteria colony and could lead to some serious health problems if ingested or if left unattended.
What is “Pink Slime,” and how does it form?
Often seen and reported in ice machines, this common contamination can be found in the home as well as a restaurant.
Pink slime buildup is actually a substance called biofilm. It is the result of the right combination of environmental factors for bacteria to thrive. Biofilms are the result of microorganisms attaching to a surface.
Oftentimes, the slime is a result of mold or fungus that has accumulated from bacteria growth on a surface that is constantly exposed to clinging water droplets and warm temperatures.
As an expert on food safety points out, “Once well-developed biofilms establish themselves on surfaces, cleaning and sanitation become much more difficult.”
Why should you be concerned?
That pink slime may make you or your pets sick if consumed.
Unlike higher temperatures, extreme cold and freezing temperatures may not kill all bacteria and viruses present in water. Recently, there has been a Listeria outbreak associated with ice cream.
Outbreaks of Norovirus and Listeria have been responsible for millions of people getting sick every year. The CDC said that Norovirus is responsible for up to 685 million cases of gastroenteritis annually.
How to protect yourself and pets?
Experts recommend regular maintenance and cleaning of surfaces to avoid contamination. In some instances, sanitizing might not be enough and the slimy substance must be physically removed from a surface in addition to regular cleaning.
For ice machines, make sure to follow these common-sense rules:
- Wash hands before obtaining or handling ice
- Hold ice scoop by handle
- Do not return unused ice to storage or ice machine
For a commercial setting be aware of the following:
- Keep access to ice stored closed except when removing ice
- Ice scoops should be free of grooves or scratches and protected against contact with contaminated surfaces
- Scoops should be cleaned daily in the kitchen dishwasher
- Ice chests should be cleaned on preferably weekly schedule, but no less than once a month
- Routine sampling of equipment and ice contact surfaces
FAQs
The result of food, bacteria, and mold in your ice machine is biofilm slime. Sometimes known as pink slime, biofilm slime is not only disgusting, but it's challenging to eliminate. Standard cleaning techniques will not rid your machine of slime.
How to get rid of pink slime in an ice maker? ›
How to Clean an Ice Maker: Mold and Slime
- Spray your EPA-approved cleaner and saturate the contaminated surfaces.
- If needed, wipe the areas to remove the contaminants.
- If disinfecting, allow the solution to sit for 10 minutes, then rinse the area thoroughly.
- After rinsing, follow the instructions for “sanitizing”
What is “Pink Slime,” and how does it form? Often seen and reported in ice machines, this common contamination can be found in the home as well as a restaurant. Pink slime buildup is actually a substance called biofilm. It is the result of the right combination of environmental factors for bacteria to thrive.
What causes slime in an ice machine? ›
If not properly cleaned, ice machines can serve as the perfect breeding ground for slime and mold to form due to its damp and dark environment. As water flows over the ice making surface of the system, contaminants can spread through the ice machine and start to grow.
What is the pink slime in my water dispenser? ›
The most common cause of this pink "stuff" is a red or pink pigmented bacteria known as Serratia marcescens. Serratia bacteria are common inhabitants of our environment and can be found in many places, including human and animal feces, dust, soil, and in surface waters.
Is pink slime mold toxic? ›
Spotting the pink slime around the house doesn't mean you and your family are in danger. Touching the pink mold is mostly harmless to healthy people, but it can cause urinary tract infections and you don't want it to enter open wounds where it can also lead to infection.
What causes pink mold in an ice machine? ›
What Causes Pink Mould on Ice Machines? Ice machines offer an ideal environment for mould and slime to form, thanks to the moisture and darkness within. In commercial kitchens, dust, flour, and yeast in the air provide an abundant supply of food, allowing these growths to flourish.
How do you sanitize an ice maker? ›
Make a cleaning solution with a 10:1 ratio of warm water and one of these ingredients: white vinegar, lemon juice, nickel-free ice machine cleaner, or other cleaning agent recommended by the manufacturer. Wash the ice machine's interior walls and hard-to-reach areas, such as the slot where ice comes out.
How can you tell if ice is bad? ›
Blue to clear – High density, very strong, safest ice to be on if thick enough, you should stay off if under 4 inches (10cm) thick. Mottled and slushy or “rotten” ice – when judging this type of ice, it won't be so much the color but the texture. You can tell by the ice thawing and slushy.
How often should an ice machine be cleaned? ›
Your ice machine works hard, but over time things like mineral deposits and even bacteria can build up inside, leading to ice that tastes less than fresh. Experts say ice machines should be cleaned about once every 9 months, or more frequently if you live in an area with hard water or high humidity.
Poorly filtered or untreated water can introduce mold spores into the ice machine, and inadequate cleaning practices can lead to the buildup of organic matter that supports mold growth. Health and Safety Concerns: Mold growth in ice machines poses significant health and safety risks.
What is the orange slime in my ice maker? ›
Slime is basically a bacteria carrying mold that grows on surfaces where there is ample humidity, according to Spellins. It can come in a multitude of colors, including black, brown, pink and orange. It can also become so bad that it grows slimy, slippery fingers and begins to dangle above the ice in the machine.
How to get rid of pink slime? ›
Some methods that can take you close to getting rid of it
- Take vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio.
- Spray it over the residue where its mark is visible.
- Soak for about 10 minutes.
- Then you can easily scrub the bacteria away.
Don't be alarmed; you're not alone, as many homeowners experience this. Many homeowners think the pink slime is iron in the water. Instead, it's an airborne bacteria, Serratia marcescens, not harmful to humans or pets.
Why does my water leave a pink residue? ›
6. Are pink stains appearing near water sources? Pink stains appearing on bathroom fixtures, drainboard surfaces, and pet dishes are usually from a bacteria, Serratia marcescens. This pink residue is less likely a problem associated with water quality than with naturally occurring, airborne bacteria.
How do you get rid of pink slime? ›
Some methods that can take you close to getting rid of it
- Take vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio.
- Spray it over the residue where its mark is visible.
- Soak for about 10 minutes.
- Then you can easily scrub the bacteria away.
If mold is present, you can add 3 cups of vinegar to the water line with a funnel and turn on the ice maker so that the vinegar runs through the dispenser. Use a cup to catch the vinegar and use a toothbrush and rag to scrub the dispenser clean of any residue.
Why does my water leave pink slime? ›
What Causes Pink Residue. Pink residue is generally not a problem with water quality. In fact, pink residue is likely a result of airborne bacteria which produce a pinkish or dark gray film on regularly moist surfaces. Such surfaces include toilet bowls, shower heads, sink drains, and tiles.
