Health inspection·August 11, 2023

F812 Food Safety Requirements The facility must store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety.

F925 Maintains Effective Pest Control Program The facility must maintain an effective pest control program so that the facility is free of pests and rodents. On 7/5/2023, at 1:50 p.m., an unannounced visit was made to the facility to investigate a complaint regarding physical environment. The facility failed to maintain a safe and sanitary environment in areas where food is prepared or stored and failed to maintain an effective pest control program due to an active infestation of cockroaches in the kitchen area. This deficient practice had the potential to result in food contamination, which directly affects 49 residents residing in the facility. This increases the risk of contracting vector diseases (diseases spread by living organisms that transmit infectious agents) including: * Salmonellosis – Salmonella food poisoning causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps which can be severe, especially for those with a compromised immune system. * Staphylococcus infections – Food poisoning causing gastrointestinal (stomach and intestine) illness. These toxins are heat resistant so are not destroyed by cooking. * Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections – Food poisoning that causes illness with diarrhea. * Typhoid fever – A life-threatening illness is caused by Salmonella Typhi. When a contaminated food is consumed, the bacteria multiply and spread into the bloodstream. * Gastroenteritis – Inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines, generally leading to vomiting or diarrhea. A review of the facility's Daily Census, dated 7/4/2023, indicated that the facility was housing 49 patients. During a review of the record titled “Retail Food Official Inspection Report” dated 7/5/2023, at 11:20 a.m., it was indicated that the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health temporarily suspended operation of the kitchen due to an active infestation of vermin (cockroaches). On 7/5/2023, at 1:52 p.m., during a general observational tour of the facility’s kitchen, in the presence of the District Manager (DM), one live adult and one live juvenile (young) cockroach was observed under the last compartment (the sink compartment used for sanitizing dishes) of the 3-compartment sink (sink used for washing dishes and equipment for the kitchen). The DM stated that he observed movement of the cockroaches and verified that the cockroaches were alive. On 7/5/2023, at 1:54 p.m., during a concurrent observation in the kitchen and interview with the DM, one live adult and two live juvenile cockroaches were observed beneath the first compartment (the sink compartment used to manually wash the dishes) of the 3-compartment sink. It was observed that there was damage to the wall beneath the first compartment of the sink measuring at 3.5 feet by 1 foot as estimated by the DM. Three tiles were observed damaged beneath the first compartment of the sink. The DM stated that the cockroaches were moving and were alive. On 7/5/2023, at 1:57 p.m., during a general observational tour of the facility’s kitchen, in the presence of the DM, cockroach fecal spotting (droppings left by the cockroaches) was observed in the metal box holding a metal chain affixed to the wall by the 3-compartment sink and inside a hole measuring at ½ inch in diameter in the wall by the clean dish storage area. On 7/5/23, at 2:04 p.m., during a general observational tour of the facility’s kitchen, in the presence of the DM, an accumulation of debris and old food was observed to be encrusted in the interior wall of the dumbwaiter (small elevator used to transport the food between floors of the facility). On 7/5/2023, at 3:14 p.m., during an interview with the Food Service Manager (FSM), the FSM indicated that an active cockroach infestation in the kitchen would have risks including “Infestations, cross contamination, and spoilage.” The FSM stated, “We can’t have pests going near food and you can’t have cross contamination.” The FSM indicated that the facility staff inspect the kitchen on a monthly basis for pests such as cockroaches. The FMS also indicated that the CEO and the Administrators to the facility were aware of the cockroach activity in the kitchen. During a review of record titled “Pest Activity/Sighting Log” with various dates logged for the year of 2023, the records indicate that inspections for pests were conducted on 1/10/23, 2/17/2023, 3/20/2023, 4/5/2023, 5/6/2023, and 6/20/2023. Records did not indicate that pests were observed, but the facility was treated for the prevention of rodent (rats and mice) and cockroaches. On 7/5/23, at 4:00 p.m., during an interview with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Environmental Health Specialist (EHS), the EHS stated that during the inspection the EHS stated to the FSM that the facility does not have permission do any food preparation or service and the facility does not have permission to wash dishes with the intent to use the flatware during the duration of the permit suspension. During a review of record titled “Sanitation and Infection Control Pest Control Management”, last revised on 5/5/2023, the policy indicated the following: * “Where a state or provincial and/or local health department is more stringent than the Sodexo Senior Services standard, it is required by law to follow those regulations.” * “Walls should be clean, free of dirt, stains, grease, food, etc.” * “All employees have the responsibility to follow procedures for the prevention of insects and other pests entering the facility.” During a review of record titled “Pest Control” updated on 7/3/2023, the policy indicated, “Housekeeping or maintenance will conduct at least weekly inspections for evidence of pests and submit weekly reports to the Administration.” The facility failed to maintain a safe and sanitary environment in areas where food is prepared or stored and failed to maintain an effective pest control program due to an active infestation of cockroaches in the kitchen area. The above violations had a direct or immediate relationship to the health, safety, or security of all residents.