Unsanitary Ice Machine Used for Resident Ice Service
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to unsanitary maintenance of the facility’s ice machine used to provide ice to residents. During an observation of a clean utility room containing the ice machine, surveyors and an LPN noted white streaks of buildup on the sides of the machine, a brown streak on the front, and a black mold-like substance on the upper interior wall of the machine; the LPN confirmed the substance appeared to be mold. The Administrator also observed and confirmed the presence of a black substance in the ice machine and stated that residents should not consume ice from it. Review of the sanitation log completed by the Maintenance Director showed that inspections and sanitation of the ice machine had been documented as completed twice a month since 05/31/25. However, the manufacturer’s manual indicated the machine should be cleaned and sanitized every six months, with specific procedures for sanitizing internal components and consulting a company for more frequent cleaning if needed. The unsanitary condition of the ice machine had the potential to affect all residents receiving ice from the facility. This deficiency represents incidental findings of non-compliance investigated under Complaint Number 2713371.
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