Unsanitary Ice Machine and Surrounding Area
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions for kitchen equipment, specifically the ice machine. The ice machine was found to have a significant amount of mineral buildup on the tray and inside the ice spout, as well as debris in the internal cabinet area. Additionally, the cupboard supporting the ice machine was unclean, with visible buildup, water, splash marks, and debris. These findings were confirmed during multiple observations and interviews with maintenance staff and the Director of Plant Management, who acknowledged the presence of buildup and debris and agreed that the machine and surrounding area appeared unclean. A review of the facility's policy on cleaning and sanitizing ice machines indicated that all ice machines should be properly maintained and cleaned, including the tray and spout, and that exterior scaling should be removed as needed. Despite this policy, the observed conditions did not meet these standards, as the ice machine and its surrounding area were not clean to sight or touch. No information was provided regarding specific residents or their medical conditions in relation to this deficiency.