Improper Food and Ice Storage in Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food and ice were stored in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. During an observation of the kitchen's ice machine, a brown substance was found on the interior grate above the water trough, which was confirmed by the Maintenance Facility Engineer. The ice from this machine was used for events, cold drinks on the tray line, and a lemonade dispenser in the hallway, which served as a hydration option for residents. The Director of Plant Operations mentioned that the ice machine was cleaned by a contractor quarterly and annually, but the facility had recently ended the contract with the current vendor and was transitioning to a new corporate vendor. Additionally, the facility failed to maintain appropriate temperatures for food storage in unit refrigerators across three wings. Observations revealed that the temperature gauges in the refrigerators were above the recommended 41 degrees Fahrenheit, with milk temperatures ranging from 44 to 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit. These findings were confirmed by staff members present during the observations. The facility's policy indicated that food temperatures should be maintained between 34 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit, as recommended by licensing and surveying agencies.