Failure to Maintain Safe Operation of Walk-In Freezer Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly maintain safe operation of essential equipment in the main kitchen walk-in freezer as required by its policy. The facility’s freezer policy, last reviewed on 8/29/25, required that all walk-in freezers be cleaned at least every six months, that excess ice buildup be removed, and that any damage or need for repair be reported to the Maintenance Department. During an observation of the main kitchen walk-in freezer on 2/18/26 at 10:30 a.m., surveyors noted an accumulation of ice on the ceiling extending from the condenser to the opposite side of the freezer, as well as multiple areas of ice on the floor near the entrance. Ice accumulation was also observed on frozen food boxes stored on the top shelves to the right and left of the entrance door, and the condenser coils were found frozen in ice. In an interview at the time of the observation, the Dietary Manager confirmed the presence of these ice accumulations and the frozen condenser coils, and acknowledged that the ice should be removed. No residents or specific patient conditions were mentioned in the report, and the deficiency focused solely on the condition and maintenance of the walk-in freezer equipment and surrounding environment in the main kitchen.
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