Widespread Food Safety and Sanitation Failures in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified multiple failures in the facility's main kitchen regarding food storage, preparation, and sanitation practices. Observations revealed that plates and warming covers were not properly air dried before being stacked, and kitchen floors were soiled with old grease and food debris. Food items in both the walk-in cooler and freezer were found undated and unlabeled, including a pan of jelly and a bag of donuts. Additionally, food items such as applesauce and thickened orange juice were stored directly on the floor in the dry storage room. Staff members with visible facial hair were observed working in the kitchen and dish room without wearing required beard guards. A stove top was found dirty with grease and food debris from previous meals, and a wall-mounted fan and ceiling tiles near the tray line were coated with heavy dust. Further observations included a carton of milk past its expiration date in a refrigerator, and trays of food containing perishable items left at room temperature on a counter. A container of yogurt labeled for a resident was also found sitting on a nurse's station counter at 83.1 degrees Fahrenheit. Dietary staff confirmed that foods should be labeled, dated, and stored properly, and that kitchen floors should be cleaned after each meal. However, these standards were not consistently followed, as evidenced by the conditions observed during the survey.