Improper Disposal and Sanitation of Facility Garbage and Refuse
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that the facility failed to properly dispose of garbage and refuse, as required by their own policies and state regulations. A review of the cleaning and sanitizing policy for food service areas indicated that the food service director was responsible for creating and posting a comprehensive cleaning schedule, including tasks related to the disposal of kitchen garbage and trash. However, there was no documented or posted cleaning schedule for the routine cleaning, sanitizing, and storage of trash containers, cooking grease, garbage, and trash accumulated by the dietary department. This was confirmed in an interview with the director of dietary services, who acknowledged the absence of such schedules. During observations of the outdoor loading and receiving area adjacent to the food and nutrition services department, surveyors noted that waste was not properly covered or contained, as the dumpster/compactor unit lacked a lid. The surrounding driveway area was littered with torn open plastic bags containing soiled briefs, food debris, papers, and plastic gloves. Foul odors and waste fat were also present on the loading dock. The area, which served as the main storage for the facility's garbage and trash, was not maintained in a sanitary manner, creating conditions conducive to pests and rodents.