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Anthony DeMeo
Sep 1, 2025
Dunkin’ – 57 E Main St, Little Falls, NJ
I really appreciate the staff at this Dunkin’—they’re friendly, hardworking, and always greet you with a smile. That said, there’s a recurring issue that needs serious attention: the sanitation of their iced tea equipment.
Despite corporate guidelines that clearly outline how to properly clean and store iced tea tanks, this location consistently overlooks those procedures. As a result, new batches of iced tea often get contaminated by remnants of the old, causing the shelf life to drop and the tea to turn cloudy. I’ve spoken directly with the manager Taher, who acknowledged the problem and seemed genuinely concerned. Unfortunately, weeks later, the issue persists.
Cloudy iced tea isn’t just a visual flaw it’s a sign of bacterial buildup, which can include coliforms like Klebsiella and Enterobacter. When iced tea isn’t brewed at the right temperature or stored in clean containers, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. This isn’t just about taste it’s a health risk.
I hope the team here takes this feedback seriously and starts following the sanitation protocols more rigorously. I’d love to bump this review up once the iced tea is safe, clean, and refreshing again.
(photo on right is fresh brewed left is cloudy due to high bacterial count)
Ref ChatGPT 09/01/2025
Unsweetened iced tea might seem harmless, but if it’s brewed or stored improperly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria especially coliforms like Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and occasionally E. coli A. Here’s why and how to keep it safe:
Why Bacteria Can Thrive in Iced Tea
• Improper Brewing Temperature: Tea should be brewed at 195°F (90°C) for 3–5 minutes to kill pathogens. Cold or sun brewing doesn’t reach safe temps A.
• Dirty Containers: If the dispenser or faucet isn’t cleaned daily, bacteria can build up especially in crevices A.
• Extended Storage: Tea left at room temperature or stored for more than 8 hours can support bacterial growth A.
• Temperature Danger Zone: Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F and 140°F (4°C–60°C). That’s why lukewarm tea is risky B.