Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control in Food Preparation Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in evidence of rodent and fly infestations in areas where resident food was prepared and stored. All resident food was being prepared in an offsite commissary kitchen due to remodeling of the onsite kitchen. During inspections and interviews, staff and county health inspectors observed chewed food packaging, rodent droppings, and a hole in the ceiling of the commissary kitchen, indicating active rodent activity. Multiple dirty rodent traps and nesting materials were also found, and pest control reports confirmed significant rodent feces and nesting on top of refrigeration units. Additionally, a fly infestation was observed in the temporary dietetic service space, which was formerly the staff breakroom. Flies were seen on light fixtures, walls, and windowsills, and food items were improperly stored on the windowsill. The area lacked a lidded garbage can, and the screen on the window was damaged, allowing insect entry. The kitchen door was also found propped open due to heat, and there was no screen door, further facilitating the entry of pests. Facility policies required ongoing pest control, proper screening of doors and windows, and routine sanitation, but these were not consistently followed. Staff were not aware if the offsite commissary had a pest mitigation program, and there was a lack of communication with the kitchen owner regarding pest control. These failures had the potential to cause foodborne illness for nearly all residents receiving food from the facility's kitchen.