Failure to Maintain Sanitary Ice Machine for Resident Beverages
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety, specifically related to the condition and maintenance of the kitchen's ice machine. Observations revealed that the ice machine, which provided ice for resident beverages at meals, had visible rust on both the inside and outside surfaces and contained large sections of yellow and brown colored ice. Multiple staff members, including dietary and nursing staff, acknowledged awareness of the discolored ice and rust, with some stating they avoided using the affected ice but did not report the issue, assuming it was already known or not their responsibility. Interviews with dietary staff indicated a lack of clarity regarding responsibility and procedures for cleaning the ice machine. The Dietary Cook reported seeing the rust and discolored ice and stated she had informed the Dietary Supervisor but not the Maintenance Director, as she believed it was not her role. The Dietary Supervisor confirmed that both she and the Maintenance Director were responsible for ensuring the ice machine was cleaned, and that a cleaning schedule was supposed to be in place, but also stated that staff were expected to remove discolored ice as needed. The Maintenance Director admitted to cleaning the filters monthly and removing yellow ice when he noticed it, but there was no specific cleaning schedule or training provided for cleaning the ice machine. Further review of facility policy revealed that the Dining Services Director was responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary kitchen environment and ensuring staff were knowledgeable about proper cleaning procedures. However, the lack of a consistent cleaning schedule, insufficient staff training, and unclear lines of responsibility contributed to the ongoing presence of rust and discolored ice in the machine, resulting in the deficiency.