Dishwasher Not Maintained at Required Sanitization Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the kitchen dishwasher in safe operating condition, as required by the manufacturer's recommendations. Observations and interviews revealed that the dishwasher did not reach the minimum recommended wash and sanitize temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, with recorded wash temperatures as low as 95 degrees and final rinse temperatures sometimes below 120 degrees. Dietary staff, including a dietary aide and the Dietary Manager, confirmed the machine was not reaching the correct temperature, and the issue was observed over multiple cycles. The posted manufacturer instructions indicated that water should be at least 120 degrees, and staff were instructed to report if it was lower, but this was not consistently done. Further review of the dish machine logbook for the month showed repeated instances where the wash and rinse temperatures were below the recommended levels. The dietary aide stated he did not report the issue because he was unaware it needed to be reported, and the Administrator was unsure about the reason for the temperature adjustment, noting the machine had recently been replaced. No policy on dish sanitization was provided when requested by the surveyor.