Poo bacteria found in ice and drinks at major pub chains such as Wetherspoon

On an episode of BBC1’s Watchdog undercover reporters are seen taking samples from Harvester, Hungry Horse, JD Wetherspoon, Slug and Lettuce, and Marston’s Two For One, which confirm that the drinks were contaminated.

Tony Lewis of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, who analysed the findings for the show, told the Express it may present a risk to people’s health.

He said: “If ice is loaded up with the wrong type of bacteria then it can make us ill. So that’s why this is a concern.

"On the basis of the chains that we’ve looked at, industry needs to do better, making sure that their cleanliness is being well managed.”

All of the pubs involved have released statements on the report, set to air tonight.

A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon said all of its pubs use a bespoke ice-handling system designed to avoid contact with employee’s hands.

They added: “We take on board the findings of the report. Food safety is of paramount importance within our pubs. Our Food Hygiene Rating Scheme Scores clearly demonstrates this, with 804 of our pubs [around 90 per cent] eligible for the scheme scoring an average 4.97 out of 5, and more than 97 per cent scoring a perfect 5.”

Slug & Lettuce said they take hygiene standards “extremely seriously” and have average 4.9/5-star EHO food hygiene ratings across all sites tested.

A statement read: “We immediately investigated the claims made by Watchdog, commissioned audits, and reiterated our processes to all sites.

“We would like to reassure our customers of the strict procedures and high standards expected in our bars.”

Harvester said: “The cleanliness and hygiene of our restaurants is of critical importance, as is the welfare of our guests and staff.

"The restaurants surveyed are all of a high standard as assessed by external inspectors and we want to reassure our guests they should have no concerns about any health risks related to the matters referred to in this programme.”