Infection Control and Food Safety Deficiencies in Facility Kitchens
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain proper infection control procedures and did not store or prepare food in accordance with professional standards in two of four kitchens. During a tour of the 2nd floor kitchen, staff were seen preparing breakfast without wearing hairnets, and one staff member stated that hairnets had run out and were awaiting delivery. Personal items, including a handbag, a book, and bottles of soda, were found in the food preparation area. The handbag was later moved to a cabinet that contained open, unlabeled bags of sugar and flour. The cabinets and drawers had sticky substances and stains, and contained stained towels, trash bags, and serving utensils. Fans in the kitchen were covered in thick dust, and the floor had visible stains, especially in the corners. In the 3rd floor kitchen, surveyors found a container of watermelon in the refrigerator that was not fully covered, and an opened carton of thickened cranberry cocktail that was past the recommended discard date. Cabinets and drawers in this kitchen also had sticky substances and stains, and contained stained towels, trash bags, serving utensils, and a cup of dried brown meat. The kitchen floor was stained, and a cup with a white granule-like substance was found in the dry goods area. These observations were confirmed during interviews with dietary management staff.