Failure to Maintain Dishwasher and Cold Storage Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure the dishwasher reached the manufacturer's required minimum rinse temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit during multiple cycles, with actual rinse temperatures recorded between 160 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The nursing assistant responsible for monitoring the dishwasher temperatures did not notice the low rinse temperatures until pointed out by the surveyor, despite being responsible for checking the machine at each mealtime or at least three times daily. The certified dietary manager confirmed the dishwasher was not reaching the required temperatures and that maintenance had been notified. Additionally, the facility failed to consistently monitor and document temperatures for all kitchen refrigerators and freezers. Review of temperature logs for two freezers and four refrigerators revealed numerous missed opportunities for documentation over several months, with some logs missing entirely for certain periods. The certified dietary manager and administrator both confirmed that temperature logs were incomplete and that staff were expected to record temperatures twice daily to ensure food safety.