Failure to Maintain Sanitary Food Storage and Handling Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen, specifically in the walk-in cooler where a dark substance measuring approximately 12 inches by 4 inches was found on the non-porous floor. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that the substance had built up over the years and had not been cleaned, stating that nothing had been attempted to remove it. The Dietary Manager also indicated that it was his responsibility to ensure the kitchen was clean and sanitary, but believed the substance did not affect residents' health since it was not in direct contact with food. Additionally, the facility failed to properly store and discard food items in the freezer. A clear, unlabeled, and undated sealed plastic bag containing previously defrosted and re-frozen ground beef was found, with a puddle of frozen blood inside. The Dietary Manager confirmed that the ground beef should not have been re-frozen and that this practice could put residents at risk of foodborne illness. The meat had been placed in the freezer by a new cook who was unaware of proper procedures, and the Dietary Manager had not noticed the item prior to the survey. Review of the facility's policy confirmed that thawed products should not be refrozen and that refrigeration units should be kept clean.