Failure to Maintain Walk-In Freezer Temperature Below Required Standard
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the walk-in freezer temperature below zero degrees Fahrenheit as required by professional standards and facility policy. Multiple observations over several days showed the freezer temperature consistently ranged from 2°F to 10°F, as recorded on different thermometers. Despite the food items being frozen solid to the touch, the thermometer readings remained above the required threshold. Staff, including the Dietary Manager and Maintenance Director, acknowledged the temperature readings and confirmed that the freezer should be kept below zero degrees Fahrenheit to ensure food safety. The facility's policy required immediate action and documentation when temperatures were out of range, as well as monthly inspections and maintenance per manufacturer guidelines. However, the walk-in freezer had not been serviced since February due to a change in Maintenance Director, and there was no evidence that necessary repairs or corrective actions were promptly initiated when the temperature deviations were identified. This lapse had the potential to affect all residents by increasing the risk of foodborne illness.