Restaurants respond to WTHR Ice tests - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

T.G.I. Friday's restaurants:
As we do with all matters of safety and health in our restaurants, we took this very seriously. We immediately stopped serving ice from the machines and containers in question. We cleaned and sanitized all ice machines and containers, then had ice tested by the Health Department and an independent laboratory.  All subsequent tests have come back negative. This was an isolated incident and we took quick and appropriate measures to rectify this situation. We have very high health and safety standards, which includes ongoing training and consistent, thorough inspections four times a year by a third party provider in addition to routine tests from the Health Department. The safety and health of our guests and team members is our top priority and we have zero tolerance for any deviation from our high standards.

Statement from Gary Solar, T.G.I. Friday's restaurants Vice President of Operations

Cracker Barrel
During WTHR's ice tests, an ice sample from the Cracker Barrel at 3840 Eagle View Drive on the west side of Indianapolis tested positive for coliform bacteria. Cracker Barrel spokeswoman Julie Davis provided WTHR with the following response:

"The health and safety of our guests  and employees is a primary concern for us. As soon as we got your call, we went into action. We gathered new ice samples for analysis by a professional laboratory. This was to see if your test results could be duplicated. We immediately discarded all the ice in the store. We cleaned and sanitized the ice machine and served bagged ice until a new supply could be made in the clean ice machine. We also sent out to all Cracker Barrel units a refresher message regarding proper ice machine cleaning procedures. This was to ensure that these procedures were top of mind for everyone."

Davis also stated that the restaurant's test results showed no coliform colonies present in the ice, and she said "we found information ... that indicates total coliform are commonly found in the environment and are generally harmless."  

McDonald's
McDonald's restaurants follow the absolute highest standards for sanitation and cleanliness.

We have regular preventative maintenance schedules and procedures for cleaning and sanitizing all equipment in our restaurants, including our ice machines.

Regarding your inquiry about laboratory results of ice samples taken at one of our restaurants, unfortunately we cannot determine if proper procedures were followed for credible sampling and lab analysis.

We also submitted ice samples for independent laboratory analysis.  Based on this independent analysis, the ice being served is in complete compliance with all local, state and federal requirements.

However, in an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety and quality of the ice served in our restaurant, we've taken extra precautionary measures and thoroughly cleaned and sanitized all ice machines in this restaurant.

Pam Fisher
Marketing Manager, Indianapolis Region
McDonald's USA, LLC

8 China Buffet
Following WTHR's investigation 8 China Buffet hired two separate companies to clean and sanitize its ice machine. It also sent WTHR an invoice from J & S Restaurant Parts and Service to show the restaurant installed new filters on the ice machine and new ice buckets to transport ice.