Failure to Maintain Sanitary Food Storage and Preparation Conditions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store, handle, prepare, and serve food under sanitary conditions, as evidenced by multiple observations and documentation. Food items were found unlabeled and undated, including an open bag of white powder (thickening powder for drinks) left on top of a flour bin. Eight large rectangular baking pans were observed with carbon build-up, and a grease trap drawer under the stove was found with excessive tearing of aluminum foil, a black plastic lid, and a large amount of food debris. These conditions were confirmed by the Regional Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and the CDM during interviews. Additionally, the walk-in cooler temperatures were consistently recorded above the acceptable range of 35 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit, with numerous documented instances of temperatures ranging from 42 to 58 degrees over a period of nearly two months. Despite facility policy requiring immediate reporting and action for unacceptable refrigerator temperatures, the elevated temperatures persisted, and the food in the cooler was not discarded until a new refrigerator was purchased. The Administrator confirmed being informed about the elevated temperatures only twice and acknowledged that the dietary staff had not reported the abnormal temperatures as required by policy. The census at the time was 37, with 34 residents receiving meal trays from the kitchen.