Sanitation and Maintenance Deficiencies in Kitchen and Food Service Areas
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple sanitation and maintenance deficiencies in the facility's main kitchen during an inspection. The juice machine filter was found with visible dirt and debris, and the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) was unaware of how to clean it, stating that new filters would need to be ordered and installed by the vendor. The juice machine itself had brown stains and rust on its stainless-steel surfaces, which the CDM indicated could not be cleaned. Ceiling filters above food preparation and service areas were stained and covered in dust and dirt, and a light fixture near the food prep area had brown stains and bio-growth. Water was observed leaking near this light fixture, and the CDM confirmed that maintenance was aware of the issue. Kitchen mixer utensils stored above clean dishes were found with dust and sticky substances, and the CDM stated these were no longer in use and should have been removed. In the freezer, ice buildup was present on surfaces and on top of food boxes, which the CDM acknowledged and said maintenance would address. Additionally, an insect was observed flying over chicken being prepared for lunch, which the CDM attributed to staff leaving the back door open, allowing insects to enter the kitchen. The chicken was immediately discarded. Outside the kitchen, trash and standing water were found near the kitchen door, with the CDM noting that the water was leaking from an air conditioning unit and had been an ongoing problem, leading to mosquito breeding. The area around the dumpster was littered with trash, including used gloves, papers, and incontinence pads. The CDM stated that cleaning responsibilities were shared between nursing and maintenance, but enforcement was difficult. Facility policy requires all food preparation and service areas to be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, but these observations indicated noncompliance.