Failure to Maintain Sanitary Kitchen Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain kitchen equipment in a sanitary working condition as required by its own Nutritional Services policy. During an initial kitchen tour, surveyors observed that the cook-top stove and oven had smeared, dried, dark brown food debris on the splash plate, and the oven doors had dried, multi-colored food debris on their tops. Additionally, a 3/4 inch gap at the bottom face plate of the unit contained diced potato pieces in various stages of discoloration, from tan to charred black. An electrical box near the cook-top stove was also found to be covered with a sticky tan substance and granular food debris. Interviews with the Lead Cook, Assistant Director of Nursing, and Dietary Manager confirmed that the cook-top oven was not in a clean condition and required thorough cleaning. The Dietary Manager acknowledged awareness of the unclean state of the equipment and was unable to provide a cleaning schedule or documentation, stating that the facility did not have such records. No information about residents or their conditions was included in the report.