Unsanitary Kitchen HVAC Vents Above Food Preparation Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain kitchen HVAC equipment in a clean and sanitary condition, resulting in two of three HVAC vents located approximately two feet above a food preparation table, where wrapped silverware was stacked for lunch service, being observed with dark debris on the metal vents. During an initial kitchen tour with the Certified Food Manager, the air filter system was off, yet the debris was visible on the vents above the prep table. A subsequent observation the following day found the kitchen filters in the same condition, with dark debris still present on the vents while the air filter system was on and blowing air toward the tray line located about six feet away, although the tray line was not in use at that time. In interviews, the Certified Food Manager stated that the HVAC filters were not included on the kitchen cleaning schedule and that Maintenance came in every one to two months to clean the vents, but she was unsure when the filters had last been cleaned. The Maintenance Director reported that after a recent change in company ownership, the automated reminder to clean the kitchen vents was no longer appearing in the facility’s work order software, and he believed the filters appeared original with corrosion and could not recall when he last cleaned the vents. The Administrator acknowledged the condition of the HVAC filters during interview.
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