Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber

Based on observation, staff interviews, review of pest control service reports, and review of facility policy, the facility failed to maintain sanitary kichen equipment and failed to prepare and serve food in a sanitary environment. This had the potential to affect all 45 residents residing at the facility that received food from the kitchen. The facility census was 45. Findings include: Observation of main kitchen on 05/13/26 from 9:30 A.M. until 9:50 A.M., revealed a black speckled substance on large majority of ceiling tiles above dishwashing area, on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts and associated walls. Observation of three storage racks designated for clean dishware items had visible dirt and grime. When swiping finger on shelving a collection of black substance was present on skin surface. Gnats were observed around juice and coffee dispenser as well as sticky residue on machine. Over 100 white plates, bowls and cups on wire rack that appeared to have dried food items and black residue on them and black speckled substance on seven shelving units in walk in refrigerator were noted. The flooring in the walk in refrigerator was caked with a dried milky white substance. Interview with Chef/Production Manager #235 on 05/13/26 at 9:50 A.M., confirmed that equipment and surfaces in the kitchen were not being cleaned as often as they should be. He stated that he believes the black speckled substance on the ceiling above dishwashing unit and dispersing throughout the kitchen was mold. He stated this had been an ongoing issue for the past eight months. He confirmed that mold was on HVAC ducts in the kitchen and mold resistant paint had been used in the past to remedy the problem and the mold returned. He confirmed that the shelving units in the walk-in refrigerator all needed to be cleaned as well as the spillage of milky white substance and other debris found on the walk-in refrigerator floor. Observation of second floor satellite kitchen on 05/13/26 at 9:53 A.M., revealed approximately 30 cups and bowls with food residue in satellite kitchen cabinets. The juice machine was noted to have a thick layer of dust obstructing air intake vent. Follow up observation of the second floor satellite kitchen on 05/13/26 at 3:25 PM revealed food residue remained on the 30 cups and bowls. Interview with Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) #220 at the time of the observation verified the dirty resident on the dishes and CNA #220 stated that she had noticed dirty dishes coming up from the main kitchen to the satellite kitchen and being placed in the cupboards. Interview on 05/13/26 at 3:46 P.M. with the Administrator revealed she does go into the kitchen at times, but she does not conduct formal kitchen inspections. Interview on 05/13/26 at 3:55 P.M. with Regional Maintenance Coordinator # 300 revealed that he was not aware of the black speckled substance on the ceiling tiles prior to today and that he would be getting the tiles replaced. He stated he would have a HVAC specialist come and check the ventilation above the dishwasher. He also stated he would attempt to remedy the black speckled substance that appeared to be mold that were on the HVAC ducts in the ceiling of the kitchen. Review of policy titled Cleaning and Sanitation of Dining and Food Service AreasBased on observation, staff interviews, review of pest control service reports, and review of facility policy, the facility failed to maintain sanitary kichen equipment and failed to prepare and serve food in a sanitary environment. This had the potential to affect all 45 residents residing at the facility that received food from the kitchen. The facility census was 45.

Findings include:

Observation of main kitchen on 05/13/26 from 9:30 A.M. until 9:50 A.M., revealed a black speckled substance on large majority of ceiling tiles above dishwashing area, on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts and associated walls. Observation of three storage racks designated for clean dishware items had visible dirt and grime. When swiping finger on shelving a collection of black substance was present on skin surface. Gnats were observed around juice and coffee dispenser as well as sticky residue on machine. Over 100 white plates, bowls and cups on wire rack that appeared to have dried food items and black residue on them and black speckled substance on seven shelving units in walk in refrigerator were noted. The flooring in the walk in refrigerator was caked with a dried milky white substance.

Interview with Chef/Production Manager #235 on 05/13/26 at 9:50 A.M., confirmed that equipment and surfaces in the kitchen were not being cleaned as often as they should be. He stated that he believes the black speckled substance on the ceiling above dishwashing unit and dispersing throughout the kitchen was mold. He stated this had been an ongoing issue for the past eight months. He confirmed that mold was on HVAC ducts in the kitchen and mold resistant paint had been used in the past to remedy the problem and the mold returned. He confirmed that the shelving units in the walk-in refrigerator all needed to be cleaned as well as the spillage of milky white substance and other debris found on the walk-in refrigerator floor.

Observation of second floor satellite kitchen on 05/13/26 at 9:53 A.M., revealed approximately 30 cups and bowls with food residue in satellite kitchen cabinets. The juice machine was noted to have a thick layer of dust obstructing air intake vent.

Follow up observation of the second floor satellite kitchen on 05/13/26 at 3:25 PM revealed food residue remained on the 30 cups and bowls. Interview with Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) #220 at the time of the observation verified the dirty resident on the dishes and CNA #220 stated that she had noticed dirty dishes coming up from the main kitchen to the satellite kitchen and being placed in the cupboards.

Interview on 05/13/26 at 3:46 P.M. with the Administrator revealed she does go into the kitchen at times, but she does not conduct formal kitchen inspections.

Interview on 05/13/26 at 3:55 P.M. with Regional Maintenance Coordinator # 300 revealed that he was not aware of the black speckled substance on the ceiling tiles prior to today and that he would be getting the tiles replaced. He stated he would have a HVAC specialist come and check the ventilation above the dishwasher. He also stated he would attempt to remedy the black speckled substance that appeared to be mold that were on the HVAC ducts in the ceiling of the kitchen.

Review of policy titled Cleaning and Sanitation of Dining and Food Service Areas

Based on observation, staff interview, and policy review, the facility failed ensure food was stored in a manner to protect it from potential contamination. This had the potential to affect all 50 residents residing in the facility who receive food from the kitchen. The facility census was 50.

Findings include:

Observation of the facility kitchen on 02/13/25 at 9:28 A.M. revealed an unlabeled sugar bin in the dry storage area. Further observation of the storage bin containing the sugar revealed there was hair and lint in the container.

Interview on 02/13/25 at 9:28 A.M. with Production Manager #32 confirmed the presence of hair and lint in the sugar bin. The facility confirmed all 50 residents residing in the facility receive food from the kitchen.

Review of Foodborne Illness Basics policy dated 2023 revealed physical contaminations in food my include foreign objects such as hair, jewelry, metal, glass, plastic, or wood.