§ 46.286. Preventing contamination from ice used as a coolant.

 (a)  Ice used as exterior coolant is prohibited as ingredient. Ice may not be used as food after it has been used as a medium for cooling the exterior surfaces of food such as melons or fish, packaged foods such as canned beverages or cooling coils and tubes of equipment.

 (b)  Storage or display of food in contact with water or ice.

   (1)  Packaged food. Packaged food may not be stored in direct contact with ice or water if the food is subject to the entry of water because of the nature of its packaging, wrapping or container or its positioning in the ice or water.

   (2)  General prohibition. Unpackaged foods other than those described in paragraphs (3) and (4) may not be stored in direct contact with undrained ice.

   (3)  Certain raw fruits and vegetables. Whole, raw fruits or vegetables; cut, raw vegetables such as celery or carrot sticks or cut potatoes; and tofu may be immersed in ice or water.

   (4)  Raw chicken and raw fish. Raw chicken and raw fish that are received immersed in ice in shipping containers may remain in that condition while in storage awaiting preparation, display, service or sale.