Widespread Cockroach Infestation in Food Service Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary environment in its food service areas, resulting in a significant German cockroach infestation. Observations revealed copious amounts of living and dead cockroaches in the staff lounge, which shares a wall with the kitchen and steam table food service line. The infestation extended to the refrigerator in the staff lounge, where cockroaches were found crawling through broken seals and present on shelves and drawers. The steam table food service line itself had numerous cockroaches in drawers and cabinets containing serving utensils, with live insects observed crawling onto the salad bar serving counter. Staff interviews confirmed that the cockroach problem had been ongoing and that pest control measures had not been effective. Dietary staff were observed using utensils stored in infested drawers to plate resident meals, and the Director of Nursing confirmed the presence of cockroaches in these areas during active meal service. Pest control invoices documented a high severity level of German cockroaches in the kitchen and recommended improved sanitation practices, which had not been adequately implemented. Facility policies required all food storage, preparation, and distribution areas to be kept clean and free of infection sources, and for an effective pest control program to be maintained, but these standards were not met. The deficiency had the potential to affect all 95 residents residing in the facility.