Failure to Maintain Kitchen Equipment in Safe Operating Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain essential mechanical equipment in the main kitchen in a safe and operable condition. Observations revealed that the walk-in freezer door could not fully seal due to ice buildup, with only two intact plastic freezer strip curtains and significant ice accumulation at the base of the door and inside the freezer. Frozen condensation was present on the ceiling, metal racks, and inside food boxes and packaging, including hamburger tubes encased in frozen condensation. The Director of Maintenance confirmed the freezer was frozen over when he started, the strip curtains were broken, and the door was not sealing. Additionally, the stove hood inspection was found to be overdue by 269 days, as indicated by the inspection sticker and confirmed by dietary staff. The ice machine filter was also overdue for replacement by three and a half months, with maintenance staff stating that a company is responsible for changing the filter and it had not been done. The Administrator was aware of the overdue hood inspection but not the freezer condensation or overdue ice machine service. The Food Service Manager was not aware of the regular maintenance schedule for the kitchen equipment, stating that maintenance handles all service and regular maintenance.