Food Safety and Sanitation Deficiencies in Kitchen Operations
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the facility's kitchen related to food storage and preparation standards. Several cooking pans were found with brownish to blackish discolorations and rusty spots, which were acknowledged by the cook as needing replacement. Additionally, a bucket of corrosive chemical was stored beside food utensils such as paper plates, plastic knives, forks, and cups, contrary to facility policy. The ice scoop for the ice machine was placed in an area accessible to everyone, allowing for potential contamination, and this was confirmed by both the cook and the maintenance director. During tray line preparation, a dietary aide was seen pushing a meal tray cart outside the kitchen and then returning to continue food preparation without removing gloves, washing hands, or donning new gloves, as required by facility policy. These actions were acknowledged by the staff involved and confirmed by the director of staff development. The registered dietitian also verified all the findings. These deficiencies were observed in the context of food service provided to forty-nine residents, with no specific medical history or condition of the residents mentioned in the report.