Failure to Label and Date Food Products in Nursing Pantries
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly label and date food products in the nursing unit pantries, which created the potential for cross-contamination. During an observation of the 3rd floor nursing pantry refrigerator, several items were found without labels or dates, including a milkshake, cottage cheese with fruit, a Celsius drink, an acai bowl in the freezer, a frozen sandwich, and pumpkin cheesecake ice cream. Additionally, the 3rd floor nursing pantry storage contained two bowls of raisin bran and a box of donuts without labels or dates. On the 2nd floor, a container of ramen and a square package of ramen were also found without labels or dates. During an interview, an LPN confirmed that the facility's failure to properly label and date food products created the potential for foodborne illness. This deficiency was noted under the regulations 28 Pa. Code: 201.18(b)(1) Management, 28 Pa. Code: 211.6(c) Dietary services, and 28 Pa. Code: 201.14(a) Responsibility of license.
Plan Of Correction
1st, 2nd, and 3rd floor nursing kitchen pantries were cleaned and all food items without dates have been removed. All new food items and resident snacks will have proper date and will be discarded after 3 days per protocol. Education to Dietary Director and dietary employees on labeling and dating all food/drink items that are distributed from kitchen. Education also provided to nursing staff that all non-patient related items are not permitted in patient pantries. Audits to be performed by Director of Nursing or Designee 3 times a week x2 weeks, 2 times a week x2 weeks, 1 time a week x2 weeks to ensure all pantries are clean, organized, and proper dates are used. This plan of correction will be monitored at the monthly Quality Assurance meeting until substantial compliance has been met.