Failure to Maintain Sanitary Kitchen Conditions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen, as evidenced by the lack of effective surface sanitizer and the presence of dirty exhaust fans. During an observation, two red buckets of surface sanitizer were found to be at an ineffective concentration, as confirmed by test strips that did not change color as expected. The Food Service Manager acknowledged that the kitchen had run out of sanitizer concentrate and that weekend staff had not communicated this shortage, resulting in the inability to properly sanitize surfaces. Additionally, four ceiling exhaust fans in the steam table area, where resident meals are assembled, were observed to have significant accumulations of dirt, dust, and grime. One fan, located directly above the steam table, had visible debris, including a hanging piece of dust, increasing the risk of contamination. The Food Service Manager confirmed the buildup and stated that maintenance was responsible for cleaning the fans, but noted that the fan surfaces allowed dust to accumulate easily.