Failure to Maintain Kitchen Oven in Safe Working Order
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that essential kitchen equipment, specifically the right-side door of a double oven, was maintained in good working order. During an observation, the oven door was found hanging open and not attached, rendering the oven unusable. Interviews with dietary staff and the Registered Dietitian revealed that the oven door had been broken for three to four months, and both the Dietary Manager and the Registered Dietitian had informed the Administrator about the issue. The Administrator confirmed awareness of the broken oven door over this extended period. The malfunctioning oven was identified as a crucial part of the kitchen, and its condition raised concerns about the ability to cook and maintain food at safe temperatures for the 87 residents receiving meals from the kitchen.