Coffee machines and other equipment that require pre-boiled water
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is reminding food businesses in Raglan that water used in coffee machines needs to be pre-boiled while a ‘boil water’ notice is in effect.
Most coffee machines only heat water to 80–85°C, which is not sufficiently hot to kill illness-causing bugs like giardia and cryptosporidium. These machines need to be turned off or hooked up to a supply of pre-boiled water.
A range of other machines which are plumbed into the area’s water supply system are also affected by the boil water notice, including slush-ice makers, ice machines, post mix guns, self-service soft drink machines and some water coolers. Drinking fountains also need to be turned off.
The only way to ensure that the water is safe is to boil it, killing off any bugs that are present.
These machines should not be used until the boil water notice has been lifted or the water they are using has been boiled.
Customers should check with their barista whether their coffee water is boiled.
For more emergency-related food safety information phone 0800 693 721 or go to
www.foodsafety.govt.nz