Widespread Sanitation and Food Safety Deficiencies in Food Service Areas
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified multiple failures in the facility's food service and sanitation practices. Observations included ice scoops being stored improperly, such as inside or on top of plastic bags on ice carts, and dirty dishes and utensils being placed on the same carts as clean ice and disposable cups. The dining area was found to be unsanitary, with overflowing trash cans, trash and debris on the floor, sticky surfaces, and dirty utensils and dishes left out. Additionally, the kitchen was observed to have a broken refrigerator seal, unlabeled ready-to-eat food, and structural issues such as damaged windows, a ceiling with black debris, cracks, and peeling paint above food prep areas. The kitchen floor was also noted to have crumbs, debris, sticky areas, and pooled water. Further, food transported through resident hallways was not consistently covered, as plate lids did not fit securely. The kitchen window area had makeshift repairs with splintered wood and bent metal, and a food cutting board was stored inappropriately against the window sill. Staff interviewed were unable to provide information on food expiration due to lack of labeling. These deficiencies were acknowledged by various facility staff, including the Food Services Director and the Director of Nursing, during the survey process.