Failure to Maintain Kitchen Sanitation and Food Safety Standards
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the main kitchen in a sanitary and safe condition, as required by professional standards and the facility's own policies. Observations by the surveyor revealed a buildup of dust on the air handler above clean trays, large dust clumps on the vent grate, splotches of dust on ceiling tiles, and a yellow/white powdery substance and dust throughout shelving in the walk-in refrigerator. Additionally, black, raised buildup and dust were found on the condenser fan covers in the walk-in refrigerator. These findings were directly observed during multiple visits to the kitchen. Interviews with facility staff indicated a lack of clarity and responsibility regarding cleaning tasks in the main kitchen. The Food Service Director was unsure if the maintenance department was responsible for cleaning the walk-in refrigerator condenser fan covers, and both the Director of Maintenance and the Director of Housekeeping stated their departments did not perform cleaning tasks in the main kitchen. Despite weekly cleaning assignments being initialed as completed, the observed buildup and debris remained present. Staff acknowledged that vents, ceiling tiles, and shelving should be clean and free of buildup and debris.