Deficient Sanitation and Equipment Maintenance in Food Service Area
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the facility's food service area related to cleaning and maintenance of equipment, directly impacting the sanitary conditions for 107 residents who consume food products. During a comprehensive tour, the sanitizer basin of the 3-compartment sink was found to have a quaternary ammonia concentration exceeding 500 parts-per-million (PPM), which is above the recommended level according to the manufacturer's instructions and the FDA Food Code. The Dietary Manager acknowledged the issue and indicated the need for vendor intervention to adjust the chemical dispensing assembly. Additional observations included the interior stainless steel retention plate of the ice machine, which was heavily stained and corroded with rust scale deposits. The can opener assembly and mounting plate bracket were found to be heavily soiled with encrusted food residue, and the cutting blade was blackened with excessive buildup. The coffee machine's interior and exterior surfaces were also soiled with accumulated and encrusted food residue. Furthermore, the commercial microwave oven's exterior door handle was cracked, broken, and could be rotated completely, indicating a lack of proper maintenance. Record reviews of facility policies revealed that there are established procedures for sanitation inspections and manual warewashing, which require all food service areas and equipment to be kept clean, sanitary, and in good repair. However, interviews with the Dietary Manager indicated uncertainty regarding the specific policies and procedures for cleaning and maintaining food service equipment, suggesting a gap between policy and practice. No information was provided about any residents' medical history or condition at the time of the deficiency.