Failure to Maintain Sanitary Kitchen and Proper Food Storage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen environment, as evidenced by multiple observations of soiled equipment, improper food storage, and expired food items. During a kitchen inspection, surveyors noted the ice machine was visibly soiled with dust and unknown black, brown, and white debris on both the outside and inside rims, including a large amount of black substance in a gap of the door rim. The dish machine and surrounding areas, including the floor and drainage pipe, were found with dried food debris, accumulated grime, and unknown substances. The stove, microwave, oven, and can opener were all observed with significant build-up of grease, dried food particles, and other residues. Additionally, the 3-compartment plate warmer had loose food particles and damaged gasket seals, and the floor behind the oven and stove was heavily soiled with dirt, dead insects, and grime. Further deficiencies included improper food storage and temperature monitoring. The small walk-in refrigerator contained a digital thermometer that was inoperable, with no other thermometers available, despite staff documenting daily temperatures as within acceptable parameters. The reach-in chest type ice cream freezer had a large amount of ice build-up, and one thermometer was covered in ice. In the walk-in freezer, a box of frozen biscuits was found open, undated, and exposed to air. On the dry storage rack, two boxes of thickened cranberry juice were expired but still available for resident use. Facility policy reviews indicated that the Director of Food and Nutrition Services was responsible for ensuring cleanliness and sanitation in accordance with regulatory requirements, including proper cleaning schedules, equipment sanitization, and temperature monitoring. However, the observed conditions in the kitchen and storage areas did not align with these policies. The Certified Dietary Manager confirmed the presence of expired food, soiled equipment, and the inoperable thermometer, acknowledging that the kitchen and its equipment were not maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.