Failure to Maintain Proper Dish Machine Wash Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the high temperature dish machine wash cycle was functioning properly, as required by facility policy and manufacturer specifications. During observation, the wash temperature of the dish machine was consistently recorded at 110 degrees Fahrenheit, which is below the required range of 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit. Staff were unable to accurately read the wash dial, and continued to process dishes through the machine despite the low temperature. Documentation logs for the same period inaccurately reflected that the wash temperature was at the required 160 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating a discrepancy between actual machine performance and recorded data. The issue was identified during a survey, where both the dietary aide and the Training Center Account Manager confirmed the wash temperature was not meeting standards. The manufacturer’s guidelines and facility policy both require the wash cycle to reach at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure proper sanitation. The deficiency had the potential to affect 176 out of 185 residents who consumed food orally at the facility during the time of the survey.