Deficiencies in Kitchen Cleanliness and Maintenance
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the facility's main kitchen and associated areas regarding the storage, preparation, distribution, and serving of food in accordance with professional standards. Specifically, six ceiling tiles in the main kitchen were found to be dirty and stained, and a fluorescent light bulb was missing from an overhead fixture. Additionally, a ceiling air vent in the dish room was noted to have rust on the vent blades. In the employee bathroom located in the main kitchen area, there was a section of missing floor molding and a wall penetration measuring approximately three inches in diameter. Interviews with the Food Service Director, Administrator, and Maintenance Director confirmed awareness of these issues, with each acknowledging that such conditions could affect the cleanliness of the kitchen. Review of facility policy and the U.S. FDA Food Code highlighted the requirement for food service areas and equipment to be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner, with non-food-contact surfaces kept free of dust, dirt, and other debris. The observed failures to maintain these standards were documented during the survey.