Failure to Maintain and Document Sanitary Conditions of Dishwashing Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain its low-temperature dishwashing machine in a clean and sanitary condition, as observed during multiple kitchen inspections. The dishwashing machine was found with a white and brown chalky build-up around the openings of both the dirty loading and clean exit doors, as well as on the top of the machine. Review of the facility's cleaning schedule and check-off forms revealed that there was no specific documentation indicating when the dishwashing machine was last cleaned, and the last recorded cleaning of the dish area walls/fan was nearly two weeks prior to the observation. The facility's policy required daily cleaning and weekly de-liming of the dishwashing machine, but these actions were not consistently documented or verifiable. Interviews with dietary staff, the Certified Dietary Manager, the Registered Dietitian, the Director of Nursing, and the Administrator confirmed that the expectation was for the dishwashing machine to be cleaned and documented according to the established schedule. However, staff were unable to confirm the last cleaning date, and the cleaning schedule did not specifically include the dishwashing machine. The lack of proper cleaning and documentation placed residents at risk for foodborne illnesses, as the equipment used for cleaning dishes was not maintained in accordance with professional standards and facility policy.