Deficient Food Safety and Sanitation Practices in Kitchen and Unit Kitchenettes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain food safety and sanitation standards in several key areas, as observed by surveyors. In the main kitchen, there were multiple areas where the floor coving and grout at the wall junctions were compromised, with deeply recessed grouting and damaged coving. The Food Service Director (FSD) acknowledged that these areas had previously harbored ants and required repair, and the Administrator confirmed that these areas were not in the expected condition. Additionally, the walk-in refrigerator in the main kitchen contained metal shelving with extensive rust, which both the FSD and Administrator agreed should not be present and needed replacement. In the unit kitchenettes, improper food storage practices were observed. Multiple food items in the refrigerators were found to be unlabeled, undated, or past their expiration or recommended use-by dates. Examples included containers of cottage cheese dated well beyond the three-day limit, opened containers of milk and other beverages without dates, and takeout or prepackaged foods lacking any labeling. The FSD confirmed that all food and drink items should be labeled and dated, and that items older than three days or past expiration should be discarded, which was not being done consistently. Further, the Unit 2 kitchenette refrigerator was found to have significant condensation issues, with thick condensation dripping onto food items and damp towels placed inside to absorb water. Staff reported that the refrigerator had been leaking for weeks, and towels were being changed daily to manage the water. The Director of Maintenance and Administrator indicated that the issue was caused by a resident overfilling the refrigerator, blocking airflow and causing cooling and defrosting problems, but were not aware of the ongoing condensation problem until the survey. These conditions contributed to an environment where food safety and sanitation were not adequately maintained.