Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program to eliminate black flying insects, specifically fruit flies, in the kitchen area. During observation, a garbage can near the dry storage room was found without a lid, emitting a foul odor, and attracting several small black insects. The Dietary Manager confirmed that the presence of fruit flies has been an ongoing issue and noted that the garbage can was filled with garbage and surrounded by black insects. Although pest control had treated the kitchen for fruit flies three weeks prior, the problem persisted. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of awareness and communication regarding the pest issue. The Administrator was not aware of the pest problem in the kitchen until it was reported by the Dietary Manager, and the Maintenance Director, who is responsible for pest control, stated that no one had informed him about fruit flies in the kitchen, though he had noticed them in the dish room. Review of pest control service inspection reports showed no documentation of treatment for fruit flies or similar pests on multiple preventive service dates. The facility's pest control policy requires an ongoing program to keep the building free of pests, but the observed and reported conditions indicate this was not effectively implemented.