Failure to Follow Food Safety Standards and Equipment Maintenance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to food safety standards regarding the storage, labeling, and monitoring of food and equipment in the kitchen. Observations revealed multiple food items, such as boxes of juice and a dented soup can, stored directly on the floor in the storage room. Several open and undated bags of food, including fish patties, steak patties, cheese omelets, and mini corn dogs, were found in the walk-in freezer. Additionally, a puddle of liquid was observed on the floor inside the walk-in refrigerator, creating a slipping hazard. Temperature logs for refrigeration units and chemical sanitizing dishwashers showed missing documentation on several dates, indicating a lack of consistent monitoring. Further inspection of the dishwashing area revealed ongoing equipment issues, including a leaking dishwasher and a leaking sink drain, both of which had been present for an extended period. Buckets containing discolored liquid and sludge were found under the dishwasher and sink, and hard water stains were noted on the floor. Staff interviews confirmed that the dishwasher and sink had been leaking for up to three years, with maintenance and dietary staff aware of the issues but not resolving them. The dietary manager was responsible for posting and monitoring cleaning and task checklists, but documentation was incomplete or missing for several days, indicating lapses in routine cleaning and maintenance procedures. The facility's policies required that food be stored off the floor, covered, labeled, and dated, and that refrigeration and dishwashing equipment be regularly monitored and documented. However, these standards were not consistently followed, as evidenced by the improper storage of food, lack of labeling and dating, incomplete temperature and cleaning logs, and unresolved equipment leaks. These deficiencies were identified through complaint report review, direct observation, staff interviews, and policy review.