Failure to Maintain Sanitary Food Storage and Dishwashing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store food under sanitary conditions by not ensuring that the 1 North Station Pantry snack/nourishment freezer contained a thermometer inside. Observation revealed the freezer was empty with condensation and lacked a thermometer, despite policy requiring temperatures to be recorded twice daily. Staff confirmed the absence of a thermometer and were unable to explain how the temperature was recorded on the log for that day, which documented a temperature of -10 degrees F. Additionally, the facility did not ensure the correct wash temperature for the high temperature dish machine used for washing dishes and utensils. Observations showed that the wash tank temperature gauge consistently read 110 degrees F, which is below the required range of 150-160 degrees F as specified by both facility policy and the manufacturer's guidelines. Staff were unable to read the wash dial properly and continued to use the machine despite the low temperature readings. The dish machine log for the same day inaccurately documented the wash temperature as 160 degrees F, which did not match the observed readings. These deficiencies had the potential to affect a significant number of residents who eat orally in the facility, as both the improper storage of food and inadequate dishwashing temperatures could compromise food safety. The issues were identified through direct observation, staff interviews, and review of facility logs and policies.