Failure to Maintain and Monitor Dish Machine Sanitizer Levels
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper functioning and monitoring of the dishwashing machine, which is necessary for the sanitation of dishware. During an interview, a dishwasher stated he was unfamiliar with the process for checking sanitizer levels and did not know where the test strips were located. When the test strips were found and used, they showed no color change, indicating that no sanitizer was present in the dish machine. Further observation revealed that there was no liquid in the line running from the sanitizer container to the dish machine, and attempts to purge the line were initially unsuccessful. Additionally, the dishwasher admitted to never documenting sanitizer readings on the dish machine log because the numbers did not make sense to him. The administrator was also unaware of when the dish machine was last checked or what the correct sanitizer reading should be. Review of the dish machine log showed inconsistent and potentially inaccurate documentation, with repeated entries of the same value and missing entries for several days. The facility's policy requires daily checks and proper documentation of sanitizer levels, which was not followed. At the time of the deficiency, 74 residents resided in the facility.