Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program in the kitchen, resulting in the presence of roaches. Observations revealed dead insects on dry-food storage shelves and on the walls below a food preparation area. Staff interviews confirmed that roaches had been present in the kitchen for at least a month, and the issue had been reported to both the Dietary Manager and the Administrator (ADM). Despite these reports, the problem persisted, with staff indicating that roaches had been an ongoing issue since December of the previous year. The Dietary Manager acknowledged the ongoing roach problem and stated that pest control had only visited on the day of the survey. The ADM confirmed that roaches had been seen in the kitchen walls during maintenance work and that staff had used a can of pesticide rather than contacting pest control immediately, as a routine visit was already scheduled for the following week. Review of pest control service records showed that pest control products were applied in various areas of the facility, with a follow-up visit recommended. The facility's pest control policy, last revised in 2008, requires an ongoing program to keep the building free of pests, which was not effectively implemented in this instance.