Failure to Maintain Sanitary Food Storage and Preparation Areas
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain cleanliness and proper food storage in both the main kitchen and nutrition center. Specific findings included accumulations of dirt, debris, and sticky substances on the kitchen floor, under the three-compartment sink, on the oven hood, cabinet doors, and within utensil drawers. Food residue was noted on the backsplash and walls behind the food preparation areas, and dried food particles were found on pan covers. The reach-in refrigeration unit contained visible food debris and a sticky dark pink substance, while the freezer had a large unopened bag of onion rings with significant ice buildup. The walk-in refrigerator showed grey-green mold on the condenser unit and debris on shelving, and the walk-in freezer contained multiple open, unlabeled, and undated bags of food items. Additionally, a ceiling fan in the dishwashing area had an accumulation of dust and hanging debris. In the nutrition freezer, a large blue gel ice pack was stored next to ice cream cups. During an interview, a dietary staff member confirmed the expectation that all kitchen areas should be cleaned and food should be stored properly. These observations were made in the presence of dietary staff and were in direct violation of both the 2022 FDA Food Code and the facility's own food preparation and sanitation policies.