Unsanitary Ice Machine with Residue Found During Inspection
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in the storage and preparation of ice supplied to residents. During an inspection, the Maintenance Director (MD) and Registered Dietician (RD) opened the residents' ice machine and found a reddish-brown residue inside the back part of the ice container and around the ice chute dispenser. The RD wiped the residue with a paper towel, confirming its presence. Both the RD and MD acknowledged that the residue should not have been present, and the MD stated that the ice machine should have been maintained and cleaned to prevent any residue. The DON also confirmed that the ice machine should always be clean to prevent foodborne illnesses and acknowledged that the residue could have caused food poisoning. A review of the facility's policy and procedure for ice machine operation and cleaning indicated that the machine should be cleaned routinely, with the inside washed and sanitized at least monthly. Additionally, the FDA Food Code requires that equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils be clean to sight and touch. The presence of residue in the ice machine demonstrated a failure to follow these established cleaning protocols and professional standards, resulting in unsanitary conditions for the ice supplied to residents.