Failure to Maintain Proper Dish Machine Sanitization
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the dish machine used for sanitizing dishware was functioning properly to prevent foodborne illness. Observations revealed that the large conveyor belt type dish machine, which operates as a low temperature chemical sanitizing unit, had non-functioning temperature gauges and was not dispersing sanitizer as required by facility policy. Multiple attempts to test the sanitizing solution using paper test strips showed no indication of sanitizer being present, as the strips remained white instead of turning black to indicate the required concentration. Staff, including the dietary aide, Director of Dietary (DOD), and Director of Maintenance (DOM), confirmed these findings during the survey. The issue persisted despite staff checking chemical buckets, tubing, and replacing the sanitizer bucket. The temperature gauges on the dish machine were also not registering any temperatures for the wash or rinse cycles during several observations. The DOD and DOM both confirmed that the dish machine had recently undergone repairs and had been out of operation for several days while waiting for a part. However, even after the machine was reported as fixed and the temperature gauges began working again, repeated tests continued to show no sanitizer being dispensed. The deficiency was observed while 162 out of 163 residents were receiving an oral diet, indicating that the majority of residents could have been affected by improperly sanitized dishware. The failure to maintain essential equipment in safe working order was confirmed through direct observation, staff interviews, and review of facility policy, with the dish machine only beginning to dispense sanitizer after multiple interventions and repeated testing.