Failure to Maintain Sanitary Kitchen Conditions Due to Pest Infestation and Odor
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain the kitchen food preparation areas in a clean and sanitary condition. During multiple kitchen inspections, hundreds of small bugs with wings were seen on the windowsill above the food prep sink, in the food prep sink, and on the steel counter where food was prepared. Additionally, a bug trap on the windowsill contained hundreds of bugs, and bugs were observed flying near the clean food prep area and inside the sanitary cleaning bucket used for wiping down food prep surfaces. The caulking along the windowsill above the food prep sink was missing and uncleanable, and a rancid odor was noted coming from under the food prep sink. Staff interviews confirmed that the issue with the bugs had been ongoing, with the bugs swarming the window and windowsill, migrating to the food prep sink and counters, and even biting kitchen staff. Staff also confirmed that the rancid smell under the food prep sink had persisted for some time, despite attempts to identify and treat the source, and described the odor as resembling that of a dead animal. These conditions were directly observed and confirmed by staff, indicating a failure to control pests and maintain sanitary food preparation areas as required by professional standards and the FDA Food Code.