Failure to Maintain Cleanliness of Dietary Ice Machine
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain the dietary ice machine in a clean and sanitary condition, as required by facility policy and professional standards. During an inspection in the kitchen area, the interior of the ice machine was found to contain dark brown and black buildup. The Dietary Manager confirmed the presence of this buildup and stated that both she and the kitchen staff had attempted to remove it without success. The facility's policy specifies that ice machines must be cleaned according to manufacturer instructions or as needed to prevent soil or mold accumulation, and assigns responsibility for cleaning to the Maintenance Director or a designee. Interviews with the Dietary Manager and Maintenance Director revealed that the Maintenance Director was responsible for cleaning the ice machine and reported doing so monthly. However, the Maintenance Director was unaware of the buildup prior to the surveyor's observation and confirmed the presence of the dark brown substance inside the machine. The Administrator also confirmed the buildup and stated that both the Maintenance Director and kitchen staff are expected to clean the ice machine regularly and thoroughly. This deficiency had the potential to affect the 76 residents who received nutrition or hydration from the kitchen.