Failure to Maintain Sanitary Food Storage and Preparation Conditions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen, as evidenced by multiple observations of improper hand hygiene and unclean food preparation areas. The Food Service Director entered the kitchen from his office, did not wash his hands, put on gloves, and proceeded to prepare chicken for residents. Additionally, a dietary aide was observed handling dirty dishes, placing them in the dishwasher, and then removing clean dishes without washing hands in between. The dietary aide acknowledged that handwashing should occur before touching clean dishes, and the Food Service Director confirmed that staff are expected to wash hands after handling dirty dishes and before handling clean ones. Further observations revealed unsanitary conditions in the kitchen environment. Dust was present on racks above food service and prep areas, including those holding measuring cups and spices. The stove top hood and a fan above the food prep area were also covered in dust. The food prep sink area, where knives were stored, had debris splashes, and the front of the steam table used for food distribution had visible moisture drips. These conditions were not in accordance with the facility's documented sanitation and food safety procedures.