Failure to Maintain Sanitary Food Service Conditions and Hand Hygiene
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple unsanitary conditions in the facility's kitchen and food service areas. The dishwasher area had a leaking hose with water pooling on the floor, a makeshift plastic covering, and visible black discoloration on the walls and floor. Additional findings included rust-like and black substances on kitchen equipment, dirty and discolored surfaces on tables and shelves, and food particles left on various kitchen items. The ice machine was found with a discolored black and green substance on the lid and inside surfaces. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that cleaning was performed daily but admitted there were no cleaning logs or posted cleaning schedules, contrary to facility policy. During meal service, staff were observed failing to follow proper hand hygiene protocols. Staff members distributed meal tickets and served drinks to residents without washing or sanitizing their hands, despite the availability of hand sanitizer dispensers in the dining area. A Registered Nurse was seen assisting residents with opening milk cartons using her bare hands and moving between residents without hand hygiene. These actions were observed while 22 residents were present in the dining room. Interviews with dietary staff and the Dietitian confirmed that cleaning and sanitation practices did not meet state and federal standards. Facility policies required comprehensive cleaning schedules, regular documentation, and maintenance of sanitary conditions, but these were not being followed. The lack of adherence to cleaning protocols and hand hygiene practices led to unsanitary conditions in food preparation and service areas, creating the potential for food contamination.