Failure to Maintain Sanitary Kitchen Conditions Due to Ongoing Roach Infestation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen, as evidenced by the presence of both live and dead roaches in various stages of life throughout the kitchen area, including behind and on the sides of refrigerators and freezers, under the clean dish storage rack, under the meal prep counter, behind doors, and in the dry storage room. Observations also revealed two garbage cans in the kitchen without lids, which staff stated were left uncovered for convenience. Dietary staff confirmed ongoing issues with roaches and reported that the problem had persisted for approximately six months, despite regular pest control visits. Interviews with dietary and administrative staff confirmed awareness of the pest issue, with staff reporting the problem to the Certified Dietary Manager and the administrator being responsible for contacting pest control services. The facility's pest control policy requires an effective program to keep the building free of insects and rodents, but the ongoing presence of roaches indicated a failure to meet this standard. The unsanitary conditions in the kitchen placed residents at risk for foodborne illnesses.