Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program in the kitchen and food service areas, resulting in the presence of flying insects and unsanitary conditions. On multiple occasions, accumulations of decomposed food were found under the kitchen dishwasher drainboards, on surrounding walls, floors, and plumbing surfaces. The dishwasher drain pipe discharged into a floor-level trough that was soiled with food debris and emitted a fetid odor. Containers beneath the dishwasher and three-basin sink were partially filled with dirty water and food debris, and winged insects resembling fruit flies were seen flying around these areas. The disposal basin attached to the dishwasher, which was designed to empty into a food grinder/disposal, was instead draining into a metal pan in the floor trough, further contributing to the accumulation of food debris and the presence of flies. Pest control reports documented ongoing issues, including fly problems, potential harborage, and sightings of German cockroaches and spiders in the kitchen. Despite recommendations to clean the affected areas, conditions persisted, with flies observed landing on food contact surfaces of clean resident dishes stored near the contaminated drain trough and sewer pipe. The kitchen prepares food for all residents in the facility, and at the time of the survey, 146 residents resided in the facility.