Deficient Food Storage and Unsanitary Kitchen and Refrigerator Conditions
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in food storage and kitchen sanitation during their inspection. In the kitchen, several boxes of frozen food were stored directly on the floor of the walk-in freezer, and the dairy walk-in cooler contained an opened and undated bag of hard-boiled eggs, as well as a container of cooked fish with the lid left open. The prep table and surrounding areas were found with dried food splatters, crumbs, and food debris, including on and around equipment such as the Robocoup, steamer, tilt skillet, fryer, grill, and juice machine. The dry storage area also had several boxes and containers of food on the floor, some opened, and a scoop stored inside a container of sugar. The floor under the racks was littered with various debris. The Dietary Manager confirmed these findings and attributed some of the issues to a recent delivery and transition to a new company. Further inspection of nursing unit refrigerators revealed heavy soiling, with dried spills, food containers lacking labels or dates, and the presence of hair on shelves. One refrigerator was filled with unlabelled and undated food items, including lunch bags, pizza, and a grocery bag, with a large spill and utensils left inside. The freezer section contained empty cups, dried food splatter, and a sticky substance. The Diet Technician confirmed that both staff and resident foods were stored together and that there was confusion between nursing and housekeeping regarding responsibility for cleaning the refrigerators. The facility's policy required the food service area to be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner, which was not followed.