Failure to Maintain Safe Temperature in Dietary Dry Storage Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the required temperature of less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the dietary dry storage area, as observed during a survey. The ambient air temperature in the dry storage area was measured at 90.6 degrees Fahrenheit using a calibrated thermometer. The Dietary Manager confirmed that the HVAC unit in the dry storage area had not been functioning and that the area had been very hot since the start of summer. The Maintenance Director reported that the HVAC company would not service the unit until an outstanding bill from previous work was paid. The Former Administrator stated that requests to corporate for HVAC repairs had been ongoing for over a year. Facility policy requires dry storage areas to be kept at temperatures not exceeding 70 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure food is stored safely and sanitarily. At the time of the survey, 58 residents were residing in the facility.