Failure to Maintain Safe Food Preparation and Storage Due to Pest Infestation
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to prepare, store, and distribute food in a safe manner, as evidenced by the presence of a swarm of flying gnats and active black flies throughout the kitchen areas during multiple observations. During an initial tour, a dietary manager confirmed an ongoing issue with fruit flies and gnats in the kitchen, and further observations during meal preparation revealed active black flies present while staff prepared meals. The dietary manager acknowledged the presence of these pests and confirmed that all 96 residents received their meals from the affected kitchen. Review of the facility's food handling policy indicated that food should be stored, prepared, handled, and served to minimize the risk of foodborne illness, but these standards were not met during the survey period. All 96 residents in the facility were potentially affected, as they received food prepared in the kitchen where the pest issues were observed. The deficiency was identified during complaint investigations and confirmed through staff interviews and policy review.