Failure to Maintain Steam Table in Sanitary Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the steam table in the kitchen in a clean and sanitary condition, as observed during a survey. On the morning of the observation, the water wells of the steam table contained a yellowish-brown liquid with floating debris and brown sediment around the bottom and edges. A staff member confirmed the presence of grime and attributed it to grease falling into the wells during use. The staff member also stated that the steam table was cleaned on a weekly basis, with plans to clean it the following day. Despite the unclean condition, food was served from the steam table during the lunch meal. Further interviews revealed that the Dietary Manager acknowledged the need for cleaning and confirmed that the last cleaning occurred six days prior, with a weekly cleaning schedule in place. However, the Senior Registered Dietitian stated that the expectation was for daily draining and cleaning, with deep cleaning weekly. Review of the steam table manual and the facility's daily task schedule both indicated that daily cleaning was required, but this was not being followed. Six residents did not receive food from the kitchen, and the unsanitary condition of the steam table had the potential to affect 57 of 63 residents in the facility.