Food Safety Guide for Ice Cream Vans

Food hazards in ice cream vans

Food hazards are contaminants that can enter food and potentially cause harm to consumers. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) defines a food hazard as “something that could make food unsafe or unfit to eat”.

There are four different types of food hazards: biological, chemical, physical and allergenic.

Biological

Biological hazards happen when microorganisms contaminate food and drink. In an ice cream van business, contamination is more likely due to inadequate and improper freezing and refreezing of ice cream. Poor practices provide optimal conditions for harmful pathogens to grow. It can also occur from cross-contamination from poor personal hygiene and handling practices, e.g. inadequate handwashing and unclean ice cream machinery, equipment, utensils and cleaning materials.

Examples of biological hazards include:

• Bacteria, e.g. salmonella, E. coli and listeria.
• Fungi, e.g. yeasts and moulds.
• Viruses, e.g. norovirus.

 

These microorganisms can cause foodborne illnesses, including food poisoning and intoxication. Listeria can be a problem in ice cream that has melted and then been refrozen.

It is unlikely customers will catch the COVID-19 virus from food (Food Standards Agency). However, ice cream van operators must follow current Government Guidance to reduce the risk to customers. Local authority environmental health teams can provide up-to-date guidance on COVID-19.

Chemical

Chemical hazards occur when naturally occurring or human-made substances contaminate food. In an ice cream van business, chemical hazards may occur due to cross-contamination, i.e. ice cream and other foods coming into contact with cleaning chemicals. Only use food-grade chemicals on food contact surfaces and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using chemicals in/on vehicles, equipment and surfaces.

Examples of chemical hazards include:

• Toxins produced by animals, plants and microorganisms, e.g. mycotoxins (produced by fungi).
• Unintentionally added chemicals, e.g. cleaning chemicals.
• Intentionally added chemicals to food but could be hazardous if used in excess quantities, e.g. flavourings and colourings.

 

Eating food contaminated with chemicals can result in immediate harm to the consumer. It can also cause long-term health effects if exposed to the hazard over time.

Physical

Physical hazards are foreign materials, objects and extraneous matter that can enter food during preparation, handling and serving but may also be in raw ingredients. In an ice cream van, these may occur due to poor personal hygiene but can also come from packaging, poorly maintained vehicles/equipment and pests.

Examples of physical hazards include:

• Natural hazards – Occur naturally in food, e.g. fruit pips, stems and stones and shells from nuts.
• Unnatural hazards – Should not be present in food, e.g. stones, human hair, fingernails (including false fingernails), string, plastic, glass, metal, animal fur, droppings and wood.

 

These types of hazards can cause injuries to the mouth, teeth and gums. In some cases, physical contaminants can even result in choking, especially in the very young and the elderly. Some can be generally unpleasant to find in food, i.e. a hair or plaster.

Allergenic

Allergens are proteins that occur naturally in some foods but can contaminate other foods by cross-contact. In an ice cream van business, allergenic hazards may result from using and storing allergen products where non-allergen products are. For example, some ice cream vans have nuts as toppings and these can accidentally contaminate ice cream and other products.

There are 14 recognised allergens, which include:

• Eggs.
• Fish.
• Milk.
• Peanuts (groundnuts).
• Celery (all of the plant, including the root celeriac).
• Mustard (liquid, powder and seeds).
• Tree nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts etc.).
• Sesame (seeds).
• Lupin (flower and seeds).
• Soybeans.
• Cereals (gluten) (oats, rye and barley).
• Molluscs (oysters, snails and mussels).
• Sulphur dioxide and sulphites.
• Crustaceans (crab, prawns and lobster).

 

These types of hazards can cause allergic reactions in food allergy sufferers. In some cases, there is a risk of anaphylaxis in those with severe allergies.

There is potential for all types of food hazards to be present in an ice cream van. However, allergenic and biological are likely to be a higher risk when preparing, handling and serving ice cream and other products.

Food allergens in ice cream vans

Legally, ice cream van operators must inform customers in writing if any of the 14 allergens are in the ingredients of the food prepared and served. It will apply to pre-packed, pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) and non-pre-packed (loose) food.

Pre-packed

These are foods that are already in packaging before being sold. They are in packaging that has to be opened to be altered and are ready for sale. Most ice cream van operators will likely buy and sell pre-packed food, such as bottled and canned drinks, wrapped ice creams, lollies and choc-ices, chocolate and other snacks.

There has to be an ingredient list, with all of the allergens emphasised, on the packaging. Operators should check the labels to ensure the allergens are clear before serving pre-packed foods to customers.

Pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS)

PPDS foods are prepared and packed on the same premises where sold and before they are ordered or selected by customers. For example, if an ice cream van business makes ice cream, desserts or other foods in their van and puts them in packaging ready for sale, this will apply.

The regulations have recently changed regarding PPDS food. Natasha’s Law came into force on 1st October 2021. Businesses must now label PPDS foods with a full ingredients list, with all of the allergens emphasised, on the packaging.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has further information on the allergen labelling changes for PPDS foods. There is also guidance from the Ice Cream Alliance.

Non-pre-packed (loose)

Non-pre-packed foods will include soft ice cream cones, toppings, desserts served to customers and any loose foods selected from displays, e.g. cakes and doughnuts.

Ice cream van operators must provide allergen information for all loose foods containing any of the 14 allergens. They can do this by adding complete allergen information to menus or putting it on a chalkboard. They can also provide written information packs or a notice informing customers on how to obtain allergen information.

Precautions

When preparing food, ice cream van operators must ensure that food allergens are handled and managed effectively to prevent cross-contact, which can be achieved by:

• Including allergenic hazards in HACCP systems and putting controls in place.
• Completing allergen training (and staff), including what to do in an emergency if a customer has an allergic reaction.
• Looking for any hidden allergenic ingredients in foods.
• Preparing and storing allergen-containing products separately from non-allergen products, e.g. using separate equipment, such as colour-coded boards.
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment thoroughly where separation is not possible.
• Carefully checking pre-packed food labels for allergenic ingredients.
• Labelling any ingredient containers clearly with the allergens they contain.
• Recording allergen information accurately, including product specification sheets, ingredients labels and recipes.

 

Unlike bacteria, allergens are not affected by cooking or chilling. Operators will also need to consider various dietary requirements and food intolerances. Avoid cross-contact as much as possible when preparing and handling food.

Safely storing food in ice cream vans

Ice cream van operators will store a variety of foods in the vehicle and perhaps in other premises, such as:

• Ambient, e.g. dried goods, such as UHT ice cream mix, syrups, wafers, cones, sauces, nuts, biscuits and chocolate.
• Chilled, e.g. refrigerated foods, such as desserts, pasteurised liquid ice cream mix and milk.
• Frozen, e.g. foods kept in the freezer, such as wrapped ice creams and lollies.

 

All food must be stored correctly to prevent contamination from food hazards and to keep it fresh, so good quality, safe food is served.

Here are some top tips:

• Check all food deliveries before putting them into storage and reject anything that could compromise food safety and quality.
• Keep dry goods in sealed, labelled containers.
• Keep storage areas clean and tidy.
• Do not store any food, equipment or utensils on the ground.
• Have an effective stock rotation system, e.g. First In First Out (FIFO).
• Regularly check the temperatures of fridges and freezers.
• For pre-packed foods, always follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
• Where possible, store raw and ready-to-eat foods separately. If it is not possible, keep higher risk foods, e.g. raw meat, below ready-to-eat and cooked foods.
• Allergen-containing foods must be kept separate from other foods.
• Store chemicals and cleaning equipment away from food storage areas.
• Keep an eye on use-by dates and best before dates, and dispose of any food that has expired. Using food beyond its use-by date is unlawful.
• Label any non-pre-packed foods with the name and any allergens.
• Label any chilled and frozen food with dates put into storage.

Hot holding

Some ice cream vans may hot hold food, e.g. hot dogs. When hot holding food, it must be held at a temperature of 63°C or above. Food can fall below this temperature for up to two hours during display or service. However, if not used after this time, it should be disposed of properly. It is always best to throw out any leftovers to minimise the risk of food poisoning.

Chilled display

Some ice cream vans may display chilled food. Before putting any food into chilled units, they must be at the correct temperature before use, i.e. set at 5°C or below. The temperature should be checked at least once a day (using a clean probe between chilled food). Display all chilled food for the shortest possible time.

Chilled foods should be held below 8°C, but ideally between 0-5°C. It can be held above 8°C for up to four hours, but only once.

Safely serving food in ice cream vans

Food contamination can also occur during food preparation and service. All areas in the ice cream van and equipment should be kept in good repair and clean. Anyone handling and serving food must maintain a high standard of personal hygiene at all times.

When serving food from ice cream vans:

• Take extra care when handling and serving ready-to-eat foods, such as ice cream cones, as bacteria and allergens will not be killed by cooking or reheating.
• Provide and use utensils to serve wherever possible to avoid direct touching of food.
• Use gloves when serving ice cream cones and change them regularly.
• Follow hot holding guidance where food has to be kept hot before serving (where applicable), and the same for chilled.
• Always follow the 4Cs.

Waste management in ice cream vans

Ice cream vans are likely to produce mostly food, packaging and water waste. If waste management is inadequate, it can encourage pests and may even result in infestations. It can also increase the risk of food becoming contaminated with harmful pathogens. Rotten food can start to smell as it deteriorates, which customers will find unpleasant.

All ice cream van operators should have appropriate provisions for the segregation, storage and removal of waste, for example:

• Not allowing waste to accumulate by removing it regularly from food areas.
• Having appropriate bins inside the van and outside (where applicable), e.g.:
  – Sufficient in number.
  – Different types of bins for different wastes.
  – Bins with foot pedals, so no hand touching.
  – Bins with tight-fitting lids to prevent pests.
• Cleaning and disinfecting bins regularly.
• Lining bins with appropriate liners.
• Regularly emptying bins inside and outside.
• Ensuring bins are placed and kept in areas designated for waste disposal.
• Keeping outside bins locked when not in use.
• Piping wastewater into sealed containers or tanks and not discharging it on site.
• Removing waste from parking sites and disposing of it legally and properly.

Pest control in ice cream vans

A pest is any insect or animal which can contaminate food with harmful pathogens and become an infestation if uncontrolled. They can also introduce physical hazards, e.g. contaminating food with droppings or the pest itself.

Pests in food businesses are relatively common, and EHOs close down food businesses due to pest infestations more than any other problem.

Many different types of pests can contaminate food. The ones that may be in and around ice cream vans may include:

• Rodents – Mice and rats.
• Insects – Flies, ants and cockroaches.
• Stored product insects – Beetles, particularly weevils, can be found in flours, grains and cereals.
• Birds – Pigeons (outside).
• Pets – Are not pests, but can contaminate food if allowed in the ice cream van.

 

Some examples of pest prevention and control methods include:

• Checking the van regularly for gaps or holes that could allow pests into the vehicle. It should be pest-proof.
• Keeping the van windows and doors closed and locked when not in use.
• Ensuring external areas around the parked van are kept clear of vegetation, rubbish and anything that could encourage or harbour pests.
• Looking for evidence of pests or pest damage when checking deliveries, e.g. insects or gnawed packaging. Do not accept deliveries if there are any signs.
• Keeping the vehicle clean and tidy, especially where ice cream and other food is prepared and served.
• Keeping open food covered.
• Removing internal and external waste regularly.
• Keeping the serving window closed when there are no customers.
• Not having open bins and keeping lids closed when not in use.
• Not having pets in the ice cream van, including in the vehicle cab.
• Storing food correctly, e.g. not on the floor, and keeping it covered or well-sealed.
• Using a pest control contractor if there is any evidence of pests inside the van.

 

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has a food safety management pack called Safer Food, Better Business. It can help ice cream van operators meet the requirements of food safety and hygiene legislation. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has in-depth specific guidance on the safe handling and serving of soft ice cream.

Ice cream van operators should contact the local authority environmental health team for advice on food safety and hygiene specific to their business. There is also guidance from the CIEH that operators may find helpful.

We also offer various food hygiene and HACCP courses, which can help ice cream van operators understand their legal obligations and assist them in achieving a five-star food hygiene rating.