Failure to Maintain Sanitary Kitchen Conditions
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain cleanliness and sanitation in key kitchen areas, including the walk-in refrigerator, ovens, and fryer. During an initial walkthrough with the Dietary Manager, both ovens were found with burnt food stains, the fryer contained debris and dark-colored oil, and the side of the stove had built-up dirt and grease. The walk-in refrigerator was noted to be very dirty, with food debris on the floor and rusted shelving. These conditions were acknowledged by the Dietary Manager at the time of observation. A follow-up walkthrough confirmed that the unsanitary conditions persisted, with no improvement in the cleanliness of the kitchen equipment and storage areas. Interviews with the Dietary Manager and the facility Administrator revealed that there were established cleaning schedules and expectations for daily and weekly cleaning of kitchen equipment and storage areas. However, the observed conditions indicated that these cleaning protocols were not being followed, potentially affecting 56 of 62 residents who receive food from the kitchen.