Failure to Maintain Walk-In Freezer in Safe Operating Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain essential equipment in safe operating condition, specifically the walk-in freezer used for food storage. Observations revealed that the internal temperature of the freezer was significantly above the required level for safe food storage, with thermometer readings ranging from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Food items such as a five-gallon container of strawberry ice cream, cinnamon bread dough, and raspberry sorbet were found either melted or thawed, indicating the freezer was not keeping food frozen as required. Excessive ice build-up was also observed on the freezer floor, including a large ball of frozen ice and a black floor mat covered in ice. The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and Director of Maintenance (DM) confirmed these findings and acknowledged ongoing issues with the freezer's temperature and structure. Further inspection showed that the freezer's defrost cycle contributed to water accumulation and subsequent ice formation on the floor. Structural deficiencies were also noted, including dry rot in the wall and roof, exposed insulation, wood framing, and missing exterior wall sections, leaving hardware exposed to the outside. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the freezer should maintain temperatures at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and that all foods should be frozen solid, which was not the case during the observations.