Failure to Maintain Safe and Sanitary Kitchen Conditions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe and sanitary kitchen environment, as evidenced by multiple observations during meal preparation and service. Staff were observed not following proper food safety and hygiene protocols, including a dietary staff member whose hairnet did not fully cover her hair while serving food, and a pest control employee entering the kitchen without a hat or hairnet. The reach-in refrigerator was found to be malfunctioning, with water leaking onto beverages prepared for meal service, and the thermometer inside was not working. Staff confirmed that the refrigerator had been leaking for several weeks and that the thermometer was not functional. Additionally, the stove and kitchen hood had heavy grease and dust buildup, with food debris present along gas pipes, outlets, and serving carts, all of which were verified by staff at the time of observation. Further deficiencies included improper sanitizer concentration in a red bucket used for cleaning, which tested below the required level according to posted guidelines. Exposed electrical wires with only wire nuts for protection were found under the dishwashing station, though staff stated these wires were not in use. Facility policies required food contact and non-food contact surfaces, equipment, and utensils to be kept clean and sanitized, and for thermometers to be maintained in working order, but these standards were not met. These failures had the potential to affect all 68 residents who received food from the kitchen.