Widespread Kitchen Sanitation Failures Compromise Food Safety
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed widespread unsanitary conditions in the facility's kitchen, affecting the preparation, storage, and serving of meals for all 61 residents. During the initial kitchen tour, dried dirt, food splatters, and debris were found throughout the kitchen, including on the tiled floors, dishwashing area walls, and food serving areas. Clean dish carts and utensils were contaminated with food debris, and equipment such as microwaves, ovens, and refrigerators contained old, dried, and burned food residues. The food storage bins, can opener, and food scales were also found to be dirty and covered in food debris or grease. Trash cans were greasy and uncovered, and the dried food storage area was littered with packets and onion skins. Additionally, kitchen vents lacked covers, exposing air filters, and the walk-in refrigerator had food debris on the floor and door. Interviews with dietary and administrative staff confirmed the uncleanliness of the kitchen, with staff attributing the lack of cleaning to the evening shift and acknowledging the unsanitary conditions. The facility's own sanitation policy requires all kitchen and dining areas, equipment, and utensils to be kept clean and in good repair, but these standards were not met. The failure to maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen placed all residents at risk for food-borne illnesses, as all meals were prepared and served from this environment.