Unsanitary Food Storage Shelving in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain safe and sanitary food storage practices in the kitchen's dry goods supply area. Specifically, wooden storage shelves were found to be chipped, splintered, and had peeling lacquered varnish, exposing bare wood. During an observation with the Dietary Supervisor (DS), it was noted that staff wore gloves to avoid splinters when accessing food items, indicating an awareness of the risk of staff injury. The Plant Director (PD) confirmed that the shelves should not be in such a condition due to the potential for staff injury and cross-contamination of food. The Registered Dietician (RD) reported being aware of the damaged shelving and had previously notified both the PD and the Administrator about the issue. The facility's policy on food storage requires that all food items be stored on shelves that facilitate thorough cleaning, which was not met due to the condition of the shelves. No specific residents were mentioned as being directly affected at the time of the deficiency, but the report notes the potential for food-borne illness in a highly susceptible resident population.