Unsanitary Food Delivery Carts Observed During Meal Service
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain food delivery equipment in a clean and sanitary condition, as observed during meal service on four separate hallways (Pine, Oak, Willow, and Spruce). Surveyors found that the stainless-steel food delivery carts in each hallway had significant accumulations of dried food, liquid residue, paper debris, and visible dirt on both exterior and interior surfaces. In one instance, a metal shelving unit inside a cart was broken, with detached metal brackets resting inside the cart. These conditions were directly observed by surveyors at various times during meal service. According to established standards by the USDA and FDA, all equipment and utensils used in food storage, preparation, and delivery must be kept clean and in good repair, requiring a two-step process of cleaning and sanitizing. The observations made indicate that these procedures were not followed, resulting in unsanitary conditions of the food delivery carts. The findings were reviewed with the Nursing Home Administrator during an interview on the same day.