Failure to Maintain Kitchen Refrigerator in Safe Operating Condition
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a 3-door reach-in commercial refrigerator (Refrigerator 1) in the facility's kitchen was observed to have water dripping from its condenser fans onto food items stored below. On multiple occasions, surveyors observed water dripping onto pitchers of juice, water, and salad bowls that were prepared for residents. The Dietary Services Supervisor (DSS) confirmed during interviews that water should not be dripping from the condenser fans onto food and acknowledged that this could potentially cause food contamination. Further interviews with the Assistant Maintenance Director (AMD) revealed that Refrigerator 1 was not functioning properly and required repair. The facility's policy and procedure for maintenance services indicated that the maintenance department is responsible for ensuring all equipment is maintained in a safe and operable manner at all times. The failure to maintain the refrigerator in a safe operating condition resulted in the potential for food contamination.