Failure to Maintain Kitchen Equipment Results in Water Leak and Food Contamination Risk
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when water was observed dripping from the condenser unit of Refrigerator #3 in the facility's kitchen. The water was collecting in a metal pan placed on the top shelf of the refrigerator, which had filled to the brim and was overflowing onto food items stored on the lower shelves. Both the Food Server Director and the Maintenance Supervisor confirmed that the leak originated from the condenser unit and acknowledged that maintenance should have addressed the issue promptly. The Food Server Director also stated that the water leaking onto the food rendered it unsafe due to possible cross-contamination. Further, the Registered Dietician confirmed that any damaged kitchen equipment should be prioritized for repair to ensure safe and operable use, and that water leaking onto food could cause cross-contamination, potentially leading to food-borne illnesses. A review of the facility's maintenance policy indicated that the maintenance department is responsible for keeping equipment in a safe and operable manner at all times. The failure to repair the refrigerator's condenser unit resulted in water leaking onto food, creating a risk of contamination.