Improper Cleaning and Sanitation of Popcorn Machine Used for Resident Food Service
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to food service sanitation when a popcorn machine used for residents was found visibly soiled and not properly cleaned and sanitized. During observation in the malt shop, the machine’s kettle lid was darkened with uneven black and brown residue, a popcorn fragment was present on the lid, the rim under the lid was stained with patchy black and brown residue, and the exterior of the kettle was covered with similar buildup. The popcorn cart was locked, and activity staff reported they were responsible for cleaning the machine after each use, stating it was cleaned with a sponge and water before being locked. Both the activity assistant and the activity director acknowledged during the observation that the popcorn machine was not clean due to the visible popcorn piece and residue. Additional staff interviews confirmed inconsistent and inadequate cleaning practices. One activity assistant stated they cleaned the popcorn machine after every use with water and a brown disposable napkin, wiping the kettle and lid but believing chemicals would be needed to remove the oily residue and that residue likely remained without thorough scrubbing. The dietary manager assistant and the infection preventionist each stated the popcorn machine should be cleaned after every use, per manufacturer’s guidelines, and that an unclean machine could pose an infection risk and make residents ill. Review of the manufacturer’s instructions showed specific cleaning and advanced kettle cleaning steps, and facility policies and job descriptions for the activity director and infection preventionist required that equipment be maintained in a clean, sanitary manner and that food service equipment be sanitized according to guidelines and manufacturer’s recommendations. The failure to follow these established procedures resulted in the popcorn machine remaining soiled while being used to prepare food for residents.
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