Inspection Findings:
Based on observation, interview and record review, it was determined the facility failed to maintain the kitchen in a sanitary manner in accordance with Food Sanitation Rules, OAR 333-150-000. The facilities kitchen was observed in an unsanitary condition, the person in charge lacked knowledge in safe food handling practices which posed an immediate jeopardy situation that could threaten the health, safety, and/or welfare of residents. Findings include, but are not limited to:Observation of the kitchen on 1/3/23 at 11:00 am revealed the following areas.a. An accumulation of food spills, splatters, loose food and trash debris, dirt, dust, black matter and grease was visible on or underneath the following:* Pipes, walls, gauges, disposal, drain, walls and flooring behind/underneath the dish machine;* Spice shelves;* Juice dispenser;* Kitchen drains;* Electrical outlets and light switches;* Trash cans;* Pipes and flooring underneath the three compartment sink; * Interior and exterior of cabinets and drawers;* Ceiling fire sprinklers, smoke detectors and vents;* Walls throughout kitchen;* Cabinets under the steamtable;* Inside and outside of drawers storing utensils;* Interior and exterior of fryer;* Interior and exterior of microwave;* Stove/grill knobs, doors, interior, exterior;* Wall behind hand wash sink and the sink;* Open shelving throughout kitchen;* Industrial mixer and slicer; * Large can opener;* Floors throughout the kitchen had black matter build-up, food debris and grease in corners, under equipment and around perimeter edges;* Large vent hood above dish machine had a build-up of dust and debris;* Large can goods storage rack;* Rack shelving in dry good storage;* Rack shelving storing equipment and dishes;* Under and behind shelving in dry good storage;* Door thresholds;* Robo coupe machine and supplies;* Large fan next to fridge with multiple layers of dust/dirt and debris;* Exterior and Interior of stand up fridges and freezers;* Probe thermometers;* Shelving with cook books; and* Beverage area in dining room walls and beverage dispensers. b. The following areas were in need of repair:* Counter top in the dining room beverage area had multiple spots were there were chips, cracks, staining and needed repair. The counter area was not a smooth cleanable surface;* Small refrigerator in Memory Care unit with frost build up; and* Cabinet under sink in Memory care unit with damage to wall (hole in concrete).c. Staff 2 (Dining Services Supervisor) was asked about chemical sanitizer test strips. She was unable to locate test strips and could not explain how to use them. Staff 3 (Maintenance director) was responsible for ordering chemicals, but did not know where to locate test strips or the need to test the concentration of the sanitation chemicals. Staff 3 stated, they used to have Eco Lab at the facility who would come frequently to ensure dish machine and 3 compartment sink was working correctly.d. A large package of frozen meat was sitting in standing water for defrosting. Staff 2 was not aware of proper thawing of meat procedures or time tables.e. Multiple dry good items were not dated when opened.f. Cutting boards were heavily scored and/or stained.g. Multiple containers of bulk dry goods had cups or scoops stored in them.h. Plastic mugs/cups with heavy scoring/staining.i. All trash cans in kitchen did not have lids for when not in use.j. Not disposing of used frying oil appropriately.k. Multiple items in freezer and refrigerator not dated or labeled when opened or prepared. l. Multiple items in fridge not covered.m. Shoes and clothing stored on shelves with kitchen equipment.n. During the tour of the kitchen, less than the required amount of dry/staple and perishable foods were observed. Staff 2 stated, she was new and was trying to figure out ordering food supplies. Staff 3 validated that he had never seen the freezer and dry storage that empty. o. During lunch tray service, staff 2 was observed touching potentially contaminated items with her gloved hands and then proceed to prepare ready to eat sandwiches. The Surveyor alerted staff 2 of the need to sanitize hands and change gloves before continuing preparing ready to eat foods. Staff 2 acknowledged the surveyor, but continued with task without changing gloves. The Surveyor requested Staff 2 to complete proper hand hygiene.p. Staff 2 was unable to demonstrate required knowledge for thawing, cooling, proper cooking temperatures, proper reheating temperatures, proper holding temperatures, signs and symptoms of food borne illness, proper sanitation of surfaces/pots/pans. She indicated that she had her food handlers card, but had not finished her Relias training. She stated, she had a binder to refer too but had not had the time to complete. Staff 2 verified, she had not been thoroughly trained and did not have any prior food service director or industrial cooking experience. q. Multiple staff observed coming in kitchen area without washing hands or performing hand hygiene.r. Memory care unit kitchenette area observed with food splatters on walls by and behind counter. Items in fridge not labeled or dated, fan with large accumulation of dust/debris, and shelving with drips/food splatters in lower cabinets. At approximately 12:08 pm on 01/03/23, the surveyor contacted the Community Based Care Supervisor and shared concerns about the unsanitary condition of the kitchen, the inadequate knowledge of person in charge and the lack of appropriate food supply. A decision was made to close the kitchen until the unsanitary and unsafe condition was rectified, and a long term plan was put in place.In an interview on 01/03/23 at 12:15 pm, Staff 4 (Wellness Nurse) and Staff 3 (Maintenance director) and were informed by the Surveyor that the kitchen would be shut down. They were instructed to submit an immediate plan of correction to address the unsanitary and unsafe conditions. At that time, no Executive Director was available as the former Executive Director had recently resigned. At 12:44 pm, Staff 1 (Corporate Operations Specialist) was informed via phone the concerns identified and the need for plan of correction. Staff 1 acknowledged concerns and a plan to suspend kitchen operations until a qualified person in charge was there and kitchen sanitation was started and improved.At 3:46 pm, Staff 5 (DDS Operations Specialist) arrived at the facility to oversee kitchen cleaning, food ordering and provide training to staff 2. During an interview, Staff 5 was able to verbally demonstrate adequate knowledge of safe food handling practices. The dinner meal would be brought in from outside vendor while kitchen was being cleaned. The facility submitted a plan of correction on 01/03/2 at 4:00 pm, which was approved by the Surveyor. On 01/03/23 at 4:20 pm, the kitchen areas were being cleaned with significant progress. The Immediate Jeopardy situation at that point in time was abated and the kitchen was able to resume service for breakfast the next day. On 1/4/23 at 9 am, the Surveyor re-inspected the kitchen and observed continued improvement in the above areas.
Based on observation, interview and record review, it was determined the facility failed to maintain the kitchen in a sanitary manner in accordance with Food Sanitation Rules, OAR 333-150-000. This is a repeat citation. Findings include, but are not limited to:Observation of the kitchen on 3/31/23 at 10:30 am revealed the following: a. An accumulation of food spills, splatters, and loose dried food debris was visible on the following:* Interior of microwave; and* Industrial mixer and slicer. b. Plastic mugs/cups continued with heavy scoring/staining.c. Cleaning chemicals were observed stored directly over where clean kitchen rags were stored causing potential for contamination.d. During lunch tray service on 3/31/23 and again on 4/3/23, kitchen staff were observed touching potentially contaminated items with their gloved hands and then proceeded to touch/handle ready to eat items. e. The memory care kitchen was observed and 2 containers of juice were found on the counter and were not covered. An additional 2 containers of juice were stored in the small refrigerator not covered. The small refrigerator had an accumulation of ice in the freezer space. Drips and spills of food items were found in the interior of the small fridge. Kitchenette shelving was observed with drips/food splatters in lower cabinets and standing water found in upper cabinets and under the sink. Cups were noted to be stored wet and had not had sufficient time to dry as required. On 3/31/23 at 11:17 am Staff 1 (Executive Director) was contacted via telephone regarding training and QA (Quality Assurance) audits per submitted plan of correction. Staff 1 indicated that s/he was currently overseeing the kitchen as the facility's DSD had just resigned. Staff 1 provided surveyor with March's QA audits and indicated that s/he walked the kitchen daily to ensure items were addressed.On 4/3/23, training records were reviewed and Staff 4 (Cook) and Staff 5 (Cook) did not have documentation they had received/completed specific training on kitchen sanitation or job duties for cook or dietary server. Interview with Staff 3 verified no training documentation for those employees were found. The facility could not provide documented evidence that the employees preparing food for the residents had received appropriate training. The findings of the main kitchen, MCC kitchen and lack of training was discussed with Staff 1 on 04/03/23 and s/he acknowledged the findings.
Plan of Correction:
1. An immediate plan was submitted and approved on 1/3/23. The kitchen received a deep clean starting 1/3/23. 2. The Dining Services Director received training following the Training Checklist and Quality Assurance Review Schedule. The additional staff (cooks) received additional training following the Training Checklist for their specific position (Cook, Dining Services Aide). 3. Tasks will be evaluated daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly per the Quality Assurance Review Schedule. 4. The Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring ongoing compliance. 1. The microwave, mixer, and slicer have received a deep cleaning to remove spills and splatters. New plastic mugs/cups have been ordered to replace those with heavy scoring/staining. The clean kitchen rags have been moved to an alternate storage space that is no longer below chemicals. The small refrigerator has been defrosted and cleaned, Kitchenette shelving has been cleaned. 2. Cooks, Dining Services Aide's, and Caregivers will receive additional training on use of gloves, beverages having lids, ang general kitchen sanitation. 3. Area will be reviewed weekly following the QA - Dining Services Review Schedule.4. The Executive Director will be responsible to ensure compliance.