Failure to Maintain Sanitary Kitchen Environment Due to Pest Infestation and Inadequate Cleaning
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary kitchen environment, as evidenced by multiple observations of dead cockroaches and food debris in various areas of the kitchen, including the entryway, underneath storage racks, inside a floor drain beneath a prep sink, and around the ice machine. The kitchen floors were found to be stained and dirty, with visible debris and dead insects present during multiple observations. Staff interviews revealed that the kitchen was short-staffed, and cleaning was not consistently performed as required. The dietary supervisor acknowledged the presence of dead bugs and stated that pest control was expected soon, but thorough cleaning was lacking due to staffing shortages. The maintenance supervisor confirmed the presence of American cockroaches and indicated that pest control visits occurred, but also noted that kitchen staff were responsible for daily cleaning, which was not being logged or consistently performed. Further interviews with the DON and ADM revealed a lack of awareness regarding the extent of the infestation and inconsistencies in cleaning practices. The DON was unaware of the cockroach problem in the kitchen and noted that trays were sometimes left unwashed late into the evening, while the ADM stated that kitchen staff should immediately remove bugs and maintain cleanliness, but admitted there was no log to track cleaning activities. The facility's sanitation policy required the food service area to be kept clean and free from pests, but these standards were not met, resulting in unsanitary conditions that could affect food safety.