Failure to Maintain Safe Cold Food Storage Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that cold food storage in refrigerator A was maintained under sanitary conditions in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. Observations on multiple occasions revealed that refrigerator A was operating at 42 degrees Fahrenheit, which is above the recommended safe temperature range for cold food storage. Kitchen staff acknowledged that the refrigerator temperature fluctuated depending on how often the door was opened and confirmed that the temperature should be maintained between 34 and 36 degrees Fahrenheit. The Certified Dietary Manager also stated that the acceptable range was between 34 and 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and that any deviation should be reported immediately, with food removed from the affected refrigerator. Review of facility policies indicated that refrigerator temperatures should be less than or equal to 41 degrees Fahrenheit, with a goal of maintaining 34 to 39 degrees. Staff interviews revealed that temperatures were checked up to three times daily, and that deviations were to be reported to maintenance. However, despite these procedures, the refrigerator remained above the recommended temperature on repeated checks, and there was no indication in the report that corrective action was taken at the time of the observations. This failure had the potential to contribute to the growth of foodborne pathogens and posed a risk of foodborne illness to residents receiving meals and nourishment from refrigerator A.