When traveling by air, many passengers prefer a refreshing drink. However, it is important to be careful about the microbial risks of ice served on airplanes. Rare emptying and inadequate cleaning of aircraft water tanks are among the main causes of these risks.
Research shows that water tanks on airplanes are highly conducive to microbial growth and that water used as drinking water can be contaminated with a variety of bacteria. This reveals that the ice served on board is also made using this water.
Unhygienic Ice Chambers
A flight attendant Redbook Magazine explained that since the ice chambers are not cleaned frequently, moldy odor appears over time, which reveals that the ice is far from hygienic. As the ice breaks down into small pieces in these chambers, it becomes more contaminated and filled with germs.
Preferences of Cabin Crew and Pilots
Cabin crew and pilots generally avoid consuming liquids from the aircraft water tank. This raises serious doubts about the safety of water. Another study by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health researchs how the low frequency of sterilization of water in aircraft water tanks puts drinking water as well as other hot beverages such as coffee and tea at risk.
Tips for Choosing Drinks on Flights
While healthy adults can usually tolerate such bacteria, no one would consciously add an ice cube full of germs to their drink. In order to maintain health and hygiene standards during the flight, it may be a healthier option to avoid iced drinks and prefer packaged and secured drinks. It is important to pay attention to such details to protect your health during air travel.