Deficiency in Food Storage and Safety Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility was found to have deficiencies in food storage, preparation, distribution, and serving practices during a standard survey. Specifically, the kitchen had issues with unlabeled and outdated food items in the refrigerator. Observations revealed several containers of mixed fruit, sliced pears, chopped peaches, and other food items that were not labeled or dated. Some of these items had visible mold, indicating they had been stored for longer than the facility's policy of three days. The facility's policy requires all refrigerated foods to be labeled, dated, and discarded after three days to minimize spoilage and contamination. Interviews with dietary staff confirmed that the food items should have been labeled and dated upon opening and disposed of after three days. The dietary staff acknowledged the presence of mold in some of the food items and admitted that they did not know when these items were placed in the refrigerator. The Dietary Department Director stated that dietary aides are responsible for labeling and dating food items, but ultimately, it is their responsibility to ensure compliance with the facility's policies and procedures. The presence of mold and unlabeled food items indicates a failure to adhere to food safety standards, which is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of the food served to residents.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved January 3, 2025 1. Administrator reviewed policy and procedure titled Food safety requirements. No changes were made. All items listed that were outside of the 3 days were thrown away. All kitchen staff were immediately educated on the Food Safety requirements by Food Service Director. 2. All residents are at risk for deficient practice of having refrigerated foods past 3 days. 3. The refrigerator was reviewed for all food past 3 day requirements and any undated food by Food Service Director. Any deficient practices were corrected immediately. 4. All dietary staff were educated by outside consultant regarding food safety. 5. The refrigerator and freezer will be audited daily by Food Service Director and supervisor for undated food and food outside of the 3 day period. This will occur daily for 6 months and weekly for 6 months. All deficient findings will be corrected and brought to QAPI for further review. Person Responsible: Food Service Director