Failure to Maintain Cleanliness in Food Preparation and Service Areas
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain cleanliness and sanitation in food preparation and service areas. During two kitchen observations, heavy grease buildup, burnt food, dried spills, and encrusted debris were found on multiple kitchen appliances, including two stoves, a deep fryer, plate warmers, and a hot box. The floors under stoves, ovens, prep tables, and steam tables were dirty and sticky with old food debris. Additionally, 15 ceiling vents located over food preparation and service areas had large volumes of black dust and debris blowing over clean dishware and food surfaces. These conditions were confirmed by both the Kitchen Supervisor and Dining Service Director during interviews. Review of the facility's kitchen cleaning checklist revealed it lacked specific instructions for deep cleaning the identified equipment and did not include cleaning the ceiling vents. The checklist also did not provide areas for staff to sign off on completed tasks, and there was no documentation available for cleaning activities over the past five weeks. Both the Kitchen Supervisor and Dining Service Director acknowledged that the kitchen equipment and vents had not been cleaned according to the checklist and stated that they were responsible for ensuring proper cleaning protocols were followed.