Widespread Kitchen Sanitation and Equipment Failures
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified multiple failures in the facility's kitchen related to food safety and sanitation. The kitchen hood over the stove was found to have black, greasy residue, despite facility policy requiring it to be cleaned every two weeks and kept free of dust and grease. The Dietary Services Supervisor (DSS) confirmed that the hood was only cleaned once a week and acknowledged the presence of dirt and grease. Additionally, several kitchen utensils, including spatulas, ladles, whisks, and dough cutters, were observed to be chipped, cracked, melted, discolored, or otherwise worn out, contrary to facility policy and USDA Food Code requirements that utensils be maintained in good repair and have smooth, cleanable surfaces. Further observations revealed that numerous kitchen utensils and equipment were not properly cleaned. Items such as ladles, spoons, cake slicers, spatulas, scoops, measuring cups, and dough cutters were found with dry, crusted food residue, watermarks, and bristle-like debris. The DSS acknowledged that these items should have been cleaned and washed to prevent bacteria growth. Cutting boards used for food preparation were heavily marred, fuzzy, and had deep grooves, making them difficult to clean and sanitize. The DSS confirmed that these cutting boards should have been replaced. Additional deficiencies included improper drying and storage of kitchenware. A heavy-duty blender, several ladles, scoops, and clear plastic bins were stored while still wet, and some scoops were also dirty with food residue. The DSS acknowledged that all utensils and equipment should have been air dried before storage. The countertop-mounted can opener and the microwave were both found to have yellowish discoloration resembling rust, with the microwave also having white residue inside the door. The DSS confirmed that these items were old, unsanitary, and needed replacement. These findings were observed during an initial kitchen tour, and the DSS verified all deficiencies.