The incident at Taylorville Care Center represents just one of multiple food safety violations that federal inspectors documented during an August complaint investigation. The violations put all 67 residents at risk for foodborne illness.
V6, a dietary aide, was unloading dishes from the dish machine on August 12 when the cup fell. After placing it back with clean dishes, V6 continued stacking glassware on shelves. When questioned later, V6 said he didn't know what happened to the cup that fell on the floor.
The same worker told inspectors that dietary staff don't check sanitizer levels or temperatures on the dish machine.
Raw meat contamination risks
In the kitchen's standing freezer, inspectors found uncooked chicken tender fritters stored directly above boxes of cauliflower and roasted turkey breast. A box of bacon sat on a shelf directly above waffles and pancakes.
V6 explained there's no specific location for storing uncooked meat. She just tries to separate items by breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The walk-in refrigerator revealed similar problems. Pasteurized shell eggs were stored on a shelf directly above 2% milk. Inspectors found a container labeled only "applesauce and 5/8" and a pitcher half full of orange liquid with no label or date.
Next to the three-compartment sink, a clear container held white powdery substance with no cover, label or date, leaving the contents exposed to air. V6 identified the powder as thickener.
Dangerous serving temperatures
The most serious violation involved food temperatures at serving time. After the last resident tray went out on August 12, inspectors tested food temperatures from the steam table using a calibrated thermometer.
Ham salad measured 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Pureed ham salad reached only 68 degrees. Pureed deviled eggs measured 71 degrees.
V25, the facility's registered dietitian, acknowledged the temperatures weren't acceptable. The ham salad and eggs posed potential for foodborne illness, he told inspectors on August 15. He said he was unsure whether dietary staff had been checking food temperatures before serving.
The dietitian confirmed that uncooked animal proteins should be stored on lower levels to reduce contamination risk.
Policy violations
The facility's own policies require strict food safety standards. The undated Food Safety Requirements Policy states it's facility policy "to provide safe and sanitary storage, handling, and consumption of all food."
The Food and Supply Storage Policy, revised in January 2012, mandates that plastic containers have tight-fitting lids for storing bulk items. Prepared foods must be covered, labeled and dated with expiration dates. "All foods will be covered, labeled, and dated," the policy states.
The Cleaning and Sanitation Policy specifically addresses dropped items: "Any utensil or dishware that falls on the floor before use will be washed, rinsed, and sanitized before it is used."
The same policy requires that "food will be maintained at proper internal temperatures."
V7, a cook, told inspectors there's no separate storage area for dented cans. A dented can of beef ravioli sat on a shelf with other canned goods in the dry storage room.
Administrative response
V1, the facility administrator, said she expects dietary staff to follow dietary policies when questioned about the violations on August 15.
The inspection found the facility failed to ensure foods were stored and prepared in a manner that prevents foodborne illness. Federal inspectors classified the violation as having minimal harm or potential for actual harm, but noted it affects many residents.
The 67 residents living at Taylorville Care Center rely on the facility's kitchen staff to follow basic food safety protocols that prevent contamination and illness. The August inspection revealed systematic failures in food handling, storage and temperature control that could have serious health consequences for vulnerable elderly residents who depend on the facility for all their meals.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Taylorville Care Center from 2025-08-15 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.