Cockroach Infestation Observed in Kitchen Dry Storage Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen, as evidenced by the observation of cockroaches in the dry food storage area. During an inspection, surveyors observed medium-sized dark brown cockroaches running out of a box of white powdered thickener and a box of individually packaged crackers, both located in the kitchen's dry storage area. The thickener was found inside an open plastic bag, which the Dietary Supervisor acknowledged should have been closed to prevent pest entry. Staff interviews revealed that a dietary aide had noticed small roaches in the dry storage area about a month prior and reported this to the supervisor, resulting in pest control treatments. However, the Dietary Supervisor stated she had not been informed of any cockroach sightings in the kitchen and had not seen any herself. Review of pest control invoices indicated that pest control treatments had been conducted in a resident's room for roaches on multiple occasions in the preceding months. The resident confirmed seeing large roaches in his room about a month earlier but had not seen any since. The Director of Nursing reported being unaware of any roach issues in the building until the environmental health department identified the problem during their visit. The facility's policy indicated an ongoing pest control program was in place to keep the building free from insects and rodents.