Improper Food Storage and Ice Machine Plumbing Deficiencies
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure proper labeling and storage of food items in refrigerators located behind two nurses stations. Specifically, multiple food items, including covered plastic ramekins of peanut butter, a coffee mug with clear liquid and ice, and containers of nutritional shakes, were found opened, unlabeled, and undated. Staff members acknowledged these items should have been labeled with the date they were opened to ensure proper tracking and timely disposal. Additionally, an employee's personal beverage was found stored in one of the unit refrigerators, contrary to facility expectations. Further, the facility's only ice machine was found to be improperly plumbed, with its drain pipe lacking an air gap and discharging directly through a wall to the outside garden area. This setup did not prevent potential backflow of contaminated matter into the ice machine. The Dietary Manager confirmed the ice from this machine was used for preparing residents' beverages, and the Administrator acknowledged the risk of contamination due to the current drainage system.