Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program in Food Service Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program as required by its own policy and regulatory standards. Despite having a policy that mandates ongoing pest control and contracted services, observations in the kitchen revealed the presence of both dead and live cockroaches, particularly in the food preparation and dishwasher areas. Staff interviews confirmed sightings of cockroaches and water bugs, and the food service director acknowledged that the administrator had been informed of the issue about a month prior. Although the facility requested an increase in pest control service frequency from monthly to every two weeks, records showed that the pest control company did not provide service as scheduled during one of the biweekly intervals. Additionally, pest control reports documented heavy treatment for roaches, but the interval between services did not align with the requested schedule. Further investigation revealed that the facility lacked documentation of ongoing monitoring for cockroach activity, as required by policy. The maintenance director was unable to provide evidence of monitoring or identification of potential entry points and hiding places for pests. A licensed pest control inspector's inspection confirmed active cockroach infestations around kitchen walls, behind appliances, and under the dishwasher, and identified structural vulnerabilities such as gaps around pipes and the need for door sweeps. The nursing home administrator confirmed the facility's failure to maintain an effective pest control program and acknowledged the responsibility to keep the facility free of pests.