Deficiencies in Food Storage, Dishwashing, and Ice Machine Sanitation
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the facility's food storage and kitchen sanitation practices. In the walk-in cooler, there were several instances of opened and unlabeled food items, including a 5-pound bag of shredded cheese and a 5-pound bag of romaine lettuce showing signs of spoilage, such as discoloration and fluid accumulation. Additionally, a bag of diced strawberries was found with both an open and discard date that had already passed, and several bell peppers exhibited spoilage. In the walk-in freezer, open and unlabeled packages of chicken strips, hot dogs, sausage patties, and cookies were found with signs of dehydration, discoloration, and leathery spots. Staff interviews confirmed awareness of improper storage and spoilage, with acknowledgment that labeling and dating procedures were not consistently followed. Further deficiencies were identified with the dishwashing process. The dish machine's washing thermostat gauge was found to be nonfunctional, consistently freezing at 120 degrees and failing to register temperature changes during multiple wash cycles. Dietary staff reported that the issue had persisted for over a week, and there was no alternative method in place to verify dishwashing temperatures. The Dietary Manager was aware of the malfunction, and the dish machine, which was rented from an outside vendor, had ongoing issues that had not been resolved. Additionally, the kitchen's ice machine was found to have a white interior cover coated with a blackish film-like substance, which could be removed by touch, indicating a lack of cleanliness. The Dietary Manager and Assistant Dietary Manager acknowledged the presence of the residue and stated that the ice machine would not be used until it was serviced. The Administrator confirmed expectations for cleanliness and that the ice machine would remain out of use until cleaned.