Failure to Maintain Sanitary Food Preparation and Service Conditions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions during food preparation and service on one nursing unit. Observations revealed that ready-to-eat salads and desserts were left uncovered on resident meal trays in the kitchen, with small black insects flying around the uncovered food. Staff interviews confirmed ongoing issues with insect infestation and acknowledged that food items were routinely left uncovered during transport to the units. Additionally, a bin of wet, dirty wash rags was left uncovered near a handwashing sink, also attracting insects. Staff admitted that bins should be kept covered to prevent contamination but failed to do so. Further observations showed that a CNA distributed uncovered food trays in the hallway, passing rooms on transmission-based precautions, and did not perform hand hygiene between serving different residents. The meal cart used for lunch service was found to be dirty, with dried liquid spills and brownish sediments lining the bottom. Staff interviews confirmed the lack of cleanliness and the expectation that the cart should be kept sanitary. These actions and inactions were in direct violation of the facility's food preparation and service policy, which requires adherence to safe food handling and hygiene practices.