Failure to Sanitize Ice Machine per Policy and Manufacturer Instructions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the ice machine was properly and routinely sanitized according to both facility policy and the manufacturer's service manual. Review of the Bi-Monthly Ice Machine Cleaning Log showed that the ice machine was cleaned twice a month using a nickel-safe cleaner, but there was no documentation of any sanitization procedures being performed. The facility's policy required monthly sanitization of the ice machine, and the manufacturer's manual specified that cleaning and sanitizing were two separate procedures, each requiring different agents. Interviews with the Assistant Dietary Supervisor and Maintenance Supervisor revealed that the Maintenance Supervisor was responsible for ice machine maintenance but was unaware of the need for a separate sanitization process. The Administrator and Director of Nursing also confirmed they were not aware that sanitization was distinct from cleaning, and acknowledged that the required sanitization had not been performed. This oversight had the potential to result in the growth of harmful microorganisms in the ice machine.