Multiple Food Service Sanitation and Equipment Deficiencies Identified
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety, as evidenced by multiple observations of unsanitary and poorly maintained kitchen equipment and areas. The ice machine in the kitchen was found to be leaking, with water pooling on the floor and wet towels surrounding the machine. The double door standing refrigerator was leaking water from the top mechanism, resulting in containers of food sitting in standing water at the bottom of the unit. Both the silver refrigerator and the white deep freezer had accumulations of ice inside the walls, and their lids, bases, and inside seals were visibly soiled with a black substance. Despite these issues, the temperatures of the refrigeration units were within the appropriate range. Further observations revealed that the kitchen floors were stained and soiled with food particles, two electrical outlets were visibly soiled, the kitchen drying racks were rusty, and the large return filter was covered with dust. The vent hood over the stove was inoperable, with its switch covered by blue tape and marked as not to be touched. Interviews with dietary staff confirmed that the ice machine had a recurring water leak due to a clogged drain, and the double door refrigerator had been leaking for an extended period. Staff also acknowledged the presence of accumulated ice and soiling in the refrigeration units, and that these issues had been reported to the Maintenance Director and Dietary Manager but remained unresolved. The Maintenance Director confirmed the ongoing issues with the kitchen equipment, including the need for a replacement part for the vent hood, a recurring clog in the ice machine drain, and a broken door gasket on the double door refrigerator. The Director of Nursing, who was new to the facility, confirmed the unsanitary conditions and stated she was previously unaware of these issues. The facility's policy and the FDA Food Code require food to be stored in clean, dry locations and equipment to be clean to sight and touch, which was not met in these instances.