Murrieta Health and Rehabilitation Center

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Murrieta Health and Rehabilitation Center, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Mar 5, 2026

  Based on observation, interview, and facility record review, the facility failed to ensure the sanitary requirements were met in the kitchen when: -An opened bag of frozen ground meat had an opened date of 7/11/24.-An opened container of Italian seasoning had a use-by date of 2/25/26.-The wire racks in the walk-in refrigerator were observed with dust.-A table-mounted can opener was observed with a brown sticky substance.-A pizza cutter was observed with crusty debris.-Five clear plastic bowls, five metal baking trays, and three plastic storage containers were stored and stacked on top of each other while still wet.These failures had the potential to expose 131 of 132 highly susceptible residents who received food from the kitchen to food borne illnesses (any illness resulting from eating… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF813Mar 5, 2026

  Based on observation, interview, and facility record review, the facility failed to ensure the residents' food brought by visitors were properly labeled and stored in the refrigerator. This failure had the potential to expose highly susceptible residents who stored their foods in the unit refrigerator to foodborne illnesses (any illness resulting from eating contaminated/spoiled foods) due to cross-contamination (the transfer of harmful substances or disease- causing microorganisms to food). […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF814Mar 5, 2026

  Based on observation, interview, and facility record review, the facility failed to dispose and store trash in a sanitary manner.This failure had the potential to increase the risk of pest infestation in the facility.Findings:During a concurrent observation and interview on 3/2/26 at 3:24 PM with Dietary Aide (DA) 3, four of the five outdoor garbage dumpsters were observed uncovered. DA 3 stated the dumpsters should be kept closed. During a follow up interview on 3/2/26 at 3:50 PM with the Director of Dietary Services (DDS), the DDS stated the garbage dumpsters should be kept covered to prevent attracting pests, which may spread illness and disease. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Mar 23, 2023

  Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure food was prepared, stored, served, or distributed in accordance with professional standards of food service safety when: 1. The ice machine was not cleaned and sanitized properly per manufacturer's guidelines; 2. There were various sizes of metal sheet pans stacked wet and stored in the dry area; 3. Two Dietary Aides (DA) did not perform handwashing in-between tasks; 4. The dietetic services did not have a system for thawing frozen meats; 5. The microwave for resident's food in the nourishment room located in Nursing Station 3 was dirty; 6. Resident's food was not stored at safe temperatures in the nursing station refrigerators; 7. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF814Mar 23, 2023

  Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure the trash container lids were kept securely covered to prevent the potential attraction of pests and vermin (nuisance animals that could spread diseases). This failure had the potential for attracting insects and vermin, which could result in food-borne illnesses in a highly susceptible population of 140 residents. Findings: On March 20, 2023, at 11:24 a.m., during an initial tour of the kitchen, a concurrent observation and interview with the Registered Dietitian (RD) was conducted. Three garbage bins were observed located outside the kitchen in an enclosed area. […]