Ice Machine Not Properly Cleaned and Sanitized
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain a clean and sanitary ice machine in accordance with its own policies and professional standards. During an inspection, the inside of the ice machine, specifically in the corners and crevices on both the left and right sides where the door opens, was found to have a buildup of a black substance. This was confirmed by the Dietary Manager, who acknowledged the presence of the black substance when it was wiped with a white paper towel. The Dietary Manager stated that although the ice machine had been cleaned, the corners had not been adequately addressed. The facility's policies require the Dietary Manager to develop and enforce cleaning schedules and to monitor the completion of assigned cleaning tasks to ensure a sanitary environment. The monthly cleaning of the ice machine is rotated among dietary staff, who are expected to sign off upon completion. However, the observation and interview revealed that the cleaning was not thorough, as debris remained in the corners of the ice machine. This deficiency had the potential to affect 64 out of 70 residents who were receiving an oral diet at the time.