Unsanitary Kitchen Conditions and Inadequate Cleaning Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain a sanitary kitchen environment, as required by professional standards and facility policy. During an inspection, the soap dispenser above the hand washing station was found to be empty, and a dietary aide indicated that housekeeping would need to refill it. Further observation of the kitchen revealed dried food bits and multiple dried, dark brown and clear, sticky fluid spills on the floor. Metal counters, meal carts, shelves, and the doors and sides of the freezer, cooler, and oven were covered with whitish drip marks and what appeared to be dried food and liquid smudges, making all surfaces appear grubby. Interviews with dietary staff confirmed the unsanitary conditions, with one aide stating she had just arrived for work and could tell that no cleaning had been done the previous day. The dietary manager, who had only recently started working at the facility, also confirmed the kitchen was not clean and acknowledged the need for improvement. Review of the facility's undated policy on food preparation and storage indicated that the kitchen was to be kept neat and orderly, with surfaces and equipment cleaned and sanitized as appropriate. All 43 residents who received meals from the kitchen had the potential to be affected by these unsanitary conditions.