Failure to Maintain Kitchen Sanitation and Proper Food Storage
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple sanitation and storage deficiencies in the facility's kitchen during an inspection. In the reach-in refrigerator near the steam table, there were two salads and approximately ten bagged sandwiches that were undated and unlabeled. Dried food splatter was found on the preparation table for the food processor, and a container of applesauce with a spoon was located on the floor under the table. The kitchen hood's metal grates and fire suppression system had a coating of built-up dust, and the microwave had dried food splatter on its top panel. A whisk was found on the floor under the steamer. Inside the walk-in refrigerator, a container of milk was found with an expiration date that had already passed, and the floor under the storage racks was dirty with debris and dried milk. Boxes were stacked to the ceiling in both the walk-in refrigerator and freezer, and there was ice buildup on boxes and the ceiling in the freezer. In the dry storage room, a box of powdered thickener was open to air with a measuring cup resting on the product. The Food and Nutrition Services Director confirmed these findings during the kitchen tour. Facility policies required that all refrigerated items be stored at least six inches above the floor and 18 inches from the ceiling and sprinkler heads, and that kitchen sanitation be maintained through compliance with a comprehensive cleaning schedule. The facility census was 112, and six residents were identified as receiving nothing by mouth (NPO) at the time of the survey.