Failure to Maintain Sanitary Food Service and Monitor Refrigerator Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions and proper infection control in food service areas, as evidenced by several observations and staff interviews. In the main kitchen, brown debris was observed on the fan next to the dishwasher, and a dietary aide was seen handling food trays on the lunch tray line without a facial hair covering. The district manager confirmed these lapses, acknowledging that they created the potential for foodborne illness and cross-contamination. Additionally, the facility did not properly monitor refrigerator temperatures on one of two nursing units, with multiple dates missing from the temperature log for the C & D Hall unit. Personal refrigerators in the rooms of three residents were also found without temperature logs, and interviews revealed inconsistent or infrequent monitoring practices. An LPN confirmed that temperature logs for July were not completed and expressed a lack of awareness regarding the monitoring requirement. These failures were in direct violation of the facility's own policies regarding environmental sanitation and infection control.