Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control in Kitchen Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program and to ensure the kitchen area was free from flying insects, specifically fruit flies, affecting all residents who receive meals there. During a kitchen tour with the dietary supervisor, a surveyor observed numerous fruit flies in the pantry where canned goods are stored. The dietary supervisor acknowledged the presence of fruit flies, stated that no food was stored in the pantry, and noted that the outside pest control company had treated the kitchen the previous day. The maintenance director later reported that additional traps for fruit flies were being placed throughout the facility, mostly in the kitchen, and that fruit flies had been seen under the dishwasher after being informed by the dietary supervisor of fruit flies in the kitchen. A pest control service inspection report from earlier in the month documented only preventative treatment with no pest activity seen, while a subsequent report documented treatment for fruit flies and identified the need for deep cleaning in dish room areas, especially under the dishwasher, the food extractor, and in corners, as well as repair of broken tiles and missing grout to address conditions contributing to fruit fly breeding. No specific residents or their medical histories are mentioned in the report, but the deficiency applies to all residents receiving meals prepared in the affected kitchen areas.
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