Failure to Maintain Kitchen Refrigerator in Safe Operating Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the only refrigerator in the kitchen in safe operating condition, as the door latch was broken and the refrigerator door would not close or seal properly. Observations confirmed that the refrigerator door remained slightly open due to the broken latch. Multiple staff interviews acknowledged that the refrigerator was not sealing, which could result in food not being held at the appropriate temperature and potentially spoiling. The Dietary Supervisor stated that the issue with the refrigerator door had been reported previously but had not been fixed. Record review of the facility's Refrigerators and Freezers Policy indicated that supervisors are required to inspect refrigerators monthly for maintenance needs and initiate necessary repairs immediately. Despite this policy, the refrigerator's broken latch had not been addressed, and the problem persisted until it was observed during the state inspection. The administrator confirmed that the issue was only reported to her as of the inspection date and had not been previously communicated by the kitchen staff.