Failure to Maintain Sanitary Food Preparation and Storage Conditions
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in food preparation and storage practices that did not meet sanitary standards. During a kitchen tour, they found a heavily soiled microwave, window areas with dried-on food and liquid, and a stationary can opener with moist food residue. The preparation table and a three-tiered cart used for breakfast had food debris, and several plastic containers for condiments and baking ingredients were grimy and sticky. A large roast was found thawing at room temperature, contrary to facility policy. In the reach-in refrigerator, several opened food items, including sour cream and liquid eggs, were undated, and containers of peaches, mayonnaise, and mustard had dried-on food substances. Spilled salsa contaminated other items and surfaces in the refrigerator. In the dining room snack area, the counter and snack cart were sticky and dirty, with food debris and grime on the cart wheels. The resident refrigerator/freezer contained multiple opened and undated or unlabeled food items, including mixed fruit, sodas, shakes, and ice cream, with some items having exploded in the freezer. Dietary staff confirmed improper thawing practices and acknowledged the need for correction. Facility policies required regular cleaning and proper labeling and dating of foods, as well as approved thawing methods, which were not followed in these instances.