Sanitation Deficiencies in Kitchen and Walk-In Freezer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the kitchen in a sanitary condition, as evidenced by the presence of a black substance along the dish sink area beside the dishwasher and underneath the soap dispenser. This substance had been present for approximately two weeks, and the Dietary Manager was aware of it but had not yet arranged for cleaning or re-caulking, instead waiting for maintenance to address the issue. The Director of Maintenance was unaware of the problem until it was pointed out and acknowledged that the area needed to be bleached and re-caulked. Additionally, the walk-in freezer was observed to have significant ice buildup on the ceiling, walls, fans, floor, bags of food, and door handle. The Dietary Manager explained that a recently repaired fan had previously allowed water condensation to accumulate, which then froze after the repair. The ice on the floor created a slick surface, and the Dietary Manager expressed concern about safely entering the freezer. The Director of Maintenance was also unaware of the ice buildup and stated that a plan was needed to remove all items from the freezer to allow it to thaw. The facility's sanitation inspection policy required daily and weekly inspections of food service areas, including the freezer and pot wash areas.