Failure to Maintain Sanitary Kitchen and Equipment Conditions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen environment and did not ensure that kitchen equipment and fixtures were in good working condition. During a kitchen tour, surveyors observed multiple instances of unclean food preparation equipment, including kitchen knives with dried food, a can opener with a black dried substance, plates with food particles, and a steam table with crumbs and dried food. Additional observations included a professional oven and microwave with dried food residue, and utensils with broken pieces and dried batter. The kitchen's cleaning schedules indicated that these items were supposed to be cleaned daily or weekly, but the observed conditions did not align with these schedules. Surveyors also found that the large dishwasher was malfunctioning, spraying hot water onto the floor and staff due to a loose water shield and damaged curtains, with no safety mats in place despite their availability. The three-compartment sink was leaking water from the faucet, and maintenance staff were unaware of the issue. The walk-in cooler fan covers were covered in black dust and dirt, and there was no documentation or set schedule for their cleaning. The floor drain under the cook's sink was filled with dirt, dust, and food items, and the milk cooler had dried milk residue both inside and on the floor. Metal pans with significant wear were found on the clean pan rack, and the cleaning of walk-in fan covers was delayed for several days after initial observation. Interviews with dietary and maintenance staff revealed a lack of awareness or adherence to cleaning responsibilities and schedules. Staff acknowledged that certain equipment should be cleaned after each use or weekly, but these practices were not consistently followed. Maintenance staff also indicated that they relied on dietary staff to notify them about cleaning needs for certain equipment, such as the walk-in cooler fan covers, rather than following a set schedule.