Failure to Maintain Sanitary Kitchen Ventilation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen by not ensuring that ceiling vents in two kitchen locations were kept free of thick, fluffy gray debris. Observations revealed that the vent coverings above clean dish racks in both Kitchen A and Kitchen B were covered with excessive amounts of this substance, to the extent that the vent openings were obscured. Multiple staff members, including those responsible for kitchen sanitation and maintenance, were unaware of when the vents were last cleaned or who was responsible for their upkeep. There was no documentation available to indicate that the vents had been cleaned or maintained according to the facility's policy, which requires monthly cleaning and maintenance of ceiling tiles, vents, and lights. The deficiency had the potential to affect 58 residents who received meals prepared in the affected kitchens. Interviews with staff confirmed that the kitchen vents were not included in a regular cleaning or maintenance schedule, and there was no monitoring or documentation of cleaning or replacement of the vent coverings. The lack of adherence to established cleaning protocols and unclear assignment of responsibility contributed directly to the unsanitary conditions observed.