Deficient Food Storage and Sanitation Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified multiple failures in food storage and sanitation practices within the facility. During an initial kitchen tour, there was a heavy build-up of a black substance under the soiled side counter space of the dishwasher and debris under the ceiling light shield in the janitor's closet. The registered dietitian confirmed that the kitchen should be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. In the Nursing B Hall Pantry, a refrigerator/freezer contained five undated and unmarked containers of resident food, as well as other undated items such as butter, bread, and ice cream. A registered nurse confirmed that staff are expected to date all food items when opened or received by residents or their families. Further observations in the A Hall and B Hall Nursing Unit pantries revealed a build-up of a black substance on the ends of the condensation hoses of the ice machines. The maintenance director confirmed that the ice machines and their condensation hoses were not cleaned and sanitized frequently enough to prevent this build-up. These findings indicate that the facility did not maintain acceptable practices for the storage and service of food, increasing the risk of contamination and microbial growth.