Failure to Wash Dishes at Required Temperature in Dish Machine
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that dishes were washed at the appropriate temperature according to the dish machine's data plate and manufacturer's instructions. During a kitchen observation, a dietary aide was seen placing dishes into the dish machine, and another staff member removed items from the machine and placed them with other eating items. The temperature dial on the dish machine registered at 110°F, which was below the required 120°F as indicated on the machine's data plate. The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) confirmed the low temperature and stated that the machine should wash at 120°F or higher. Despite this, the CDM did not instruct staff to remove or rewash the dishes that had already been processed at the incorrect temperature. Later, dietary staff were observed preparing meal trays using dishes that had been washed at the insufficient temperature, and these dishes were mixed with other clean dishes. The CDM was unaware that the improperly washed dishes had not been pulled from service and had been mixed in with other clean items. The deficiency was identified through observation, interview, and record review, and it was confirmed that the dish machine was not operating in accordance with professional standards and the manufacturer's instructions, as required by the Food and Drug Administration Food Code.