F0812

E

Improper Food Storage and Sanitation Practices in Kitchen

Siler City, North Carolina Survey Completed on 03-13-2026

Penalty

Fine: $19,920

Summary

Surveyors identified a deficiency in food storage and sanitation practices in the facility’s kitchen. During an initial kitchen tour with the Dietary Manager, a large bin of flour was observed with the scoop stored directly inside the flour, rather than in a manner that prevented contact with the food product. The Dietary Manager explained that the hook intended for hanging the scoop was inside the container and that when the lid was slid closed, it often knocked the scoop back into the flour. No residents or their specific medical conditions were mentioned in relation to this observation.

Further observations showed additional sanitation issues. The underside of the steam table hood was found to have orange and brown residue and felt slick to the touch, and the Dietary Manager acknowledged that while the steam table was cleaned between meals, the underside of the hood had likely not been cleaned for some time. On a follow-up kitchen tour, surveyors observed that 20 of 30 plastic plate bases on the tray line were stacked while still wet and ready for use. The Dietary Manager stated she had checked other dishware for dryness but had not checked the plastic plate bases. The Administrator later stated he did not know why the hood was not clean or why the scoop was left in the flour and indicated he would want the kitchen kept clean and dishware clean and dry before use.