Failure to Maintain Sanitary Food Preparation and Handling Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper sanitary conditions in the kitchen and food preparation areas, as evidenced by multiple observations of unclean equipment and improper food handling practices. During an initial walkthrough, surveyors found dried liquid and scattered food debris in refrigerators and freezers in the east dining room kitchenette, as well as white crust lime buildup on the ice machine, coffee machine, and dishwasher in another dining area. Drawers containing utensils and cupboards with small appliances were also found with food debris and dried liquid. The main kitchen refrigerator was similarly observed to have food debris. During meal service, staff were observed engaging in unsanitary practices. One staff member, after pureeing pasta, entered the dirty side of the kitchen, touched the dishwasher handle and dish carts, and then returned to the clean side without performing hand hygiene. The same staff member dropped a covered pan of pasta on the floor, picked it up, and placed it over an open rack of garlic bread in the oven. Another dietary aide was seen making a salad, stacking containers of vegetables and ham in her arms, and using her face to steady the stack, while a different aide plated food, served it to residents, and returned to the kitchen without hand hygiene. Interviews with staff confirmed awareness of proper procedures, such as the need for handwashing after moving between clean and dirty areas and discarding food dropped on the floor, but these procedures were not followed during the observed incidents. The facility's own policies require kitchen cleanliness, proper food storage, and strict hand hygiene, as well as discarding any food that comes into contact with the floor, but these standards were not met during the survey period.