Deficiencies in Food Storage, Cleanliness, and Staff-Resident Food Separation
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies related to food storage, cleanliness, and separation of staff and resident food. During inspections, the walk-in freezer was found to have water droplets on the ceiling, some frozen and some dripping, with a layer of ice on open boxes of ice cream sandwiches and other closed boxes of food. Ice had accumulated on the floor, and maintenance had been attempting to fix the condenser for a month without resolution. The walk-in refrigerator was also noted to have dust particles blowing from the fan covers and hanging from the ceiling, with maintenance having missed cleaning certain areas despite recent filter replacement. The main ice machine contained an accumulation of black residue on the inner upper area, even though it had reportedly been cleaned the previous month. Additionally, the LTC resident refrigerator's freezer area had visible food residue, and the Housekeeping Supervisor was unable to confirm when it was last cleaned. Further, staff food was found stored in the LTC resident refrigerator, specifically leftover fried chicken in a refrigerator drawer, contrary to facility policy. The RCM confirmed that staff food should not be stored with resident food. These findings were based on direct observation and staff interviews, and they reflect failures to maintain proper food storage, cleanliness, and separation of staff and resident food as required by FDA Food Code standards.