Deficient Food Sanitation and Storage Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain safe and sanitary food preparation and storage practices in the kitchen and resident food storage areas. Multiple observations revealed dust accumulation on various kitchen equipment and surfaces, including refrigerator fan covers, walls, and door frames. These findings were confirmed by the Food Server Director, Food Server, and Dietary Supervisor during concurrent interviews, who acknowledged that the dust was present and should have been cleaned. The Registered Dietitian also stated that dust in the kitchen could potentially cause cross-contamination. Further inspection identified grime buildup on the bottom shelves of cold storage and on the inner door gasket of a walk-in refrigerator. The Dietary Supervisor confirmed that the white grime was food residue and the black grime was dirt, both of which had been missed during cleaning. The supervisor acknowledged that such grime could cross-contaminate food and potentially cause food-borne illness. The Registered Dietitian reiterated that kitchen and storage equipment should be free from grime to prevent illness. Additionally, the inspection of the nurse's station refrigerator, which stored residents' food, revealed several undated, expired, or unlabeled food items. The Infection Preventionist confirmed that these items were past their storage dates, should have been labeled, and should have been discarded according to facility policy. The Registered Dietitian stated that expired food should be removed to maintain sanitary conditions and prevent food-borne illness. Facility policy requires that food stored for residents be labeled, dated, and discarded per safe food storage guidelines.