Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, as evidenced by multiple live insect sightings in the kitchen area during a tour with the Administrator and Food Service Director. Observations included live insects around the blade of a counter-mounted can opener, on a utility cart, on the coffee counter, and on the ceiling strip of the exterior back wall. Both the Administrator and Food Service Director confirmed these pest sightings in the dietary department/kitchen, and the Food Service Director reported that roaches had been seen on numerous occasions in the past few weeks, with notifications documented in the pest log. Review of pest control documentation from the contracted pest control company revealed that cockroaches were noted during services in both May and July, with findings in the kitchen above the drop ceiling, in the steam table, behind ovens, and in the dish area. The facility's pest control policy requires routine inspections, documentation of sightings, and communication with the maintenance supervisor, as well as staff training and regular cleaning measures. Despite these procedures, the presence of pests persisted, indicating a failure to ensure the effectiveness of the pest control program.