Improper Freezer Temperature Control in Main Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to maintain proper freezer temperatures in the main kitchen in accordance with the facility’s Food Storage policy, which required freezer units to be maintained at 0°F or below. During a kitchen observation, surveyors noted the main kitchen freezer door was ajar and the external temperature gauge read 8°F. After the door was closed, subsequent temperature checks showed the freezer at 20°F on two separate readings, and the internal thermostat was observed to be set to turn on at 15°F and off at 10°F, settings inconsistent with the policy requirement. The freezer temperature did not return to 0°F until approximately one hour after the initial observation, indicating the freezer was out of the proper temperature range for that period. The Director of Maintenance confirmed that the freezer was not maintaining proper temperature ranges, and the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the facility failed to properly store food products in the main kitchen, which created the potential for foodborne illness. No specific residents or patient conditions were mentioned in the report, and the deficiency was cited under Pa. 28 Code: 211.6(c)(d)(f) Dietary services.
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