Failure to Maintain Food Safety and Sanitation Standards in Kitchen and Pantry
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store and serve food and drinks in a manner that maintained food safety for all 78 residents who consumed food and drinks from the kitchen. During a continuous observation of the kitchen, surveyors found three unsecured medication bottles, including a prescription for Xarelto, in an open basket on a counter. Moisture and white debris were observed in several bowls being prepared for pudding service. The dishwasher unit had dead bugs and particles on its surface, and a ceiling vent above the freezer was coated with a thick layer of dark gray, fuzzy substance. The wall behind the freezer showed discoloration, and the pantry floor and shelving had food debris, including cereal, granules, sugar, salt packets, and onion peels. Several food items in the refrigerators and freezers were found to be expired, unlabeled, or undated, including milk, juice, and various packaged foods. The interior of the ice machine had a reddish brown substance, and non-food items such as a plastic spoon, candy wrapper, blue glove, and a linen pillowcase were found on the floor and atop the freezer. Interviews with staff confirmed that expired and unlabeled food items should not have been present in the refrigerators, and that staff medications should have been secured in lockers. Review of facility policies indicated requirements for proper cleaning schedules, food storage, and labeling of food brought in by family or visitors. Cleaning logs showed that staff were responsible for ensuring dishes, utensils, and surfaces were cleaned and sanitized, and that the dish machine and dry storage areas were maintained. Despite these policies and logs, the observations revealed multiple failures in maintaining food safety and cleanliness standards in the kitchen and pantry areas.