Sanitation Deficiencies in Food Storage and Preparation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was stored and prepared under sanitary conditions, as evidenced by several observations and staff interviews. In the main kitchen, the walk-in refrigerator contained three bags of brussel sprouts, one of which was past its use-by date, and the other two were close to expiration. The brussel sprouts appeared discolored and had increased moisture. Additionally, there was an undated tray of cooked chicken tenders and a bag of cilantro that was discolored and moist, with an opened date but no use-by date. The Cook/Dietary Aide confirmed that the chicken tenders should have been dated and expired food discarded. The facility lacked a dietary manager, with the dietitian and corporate dietary manager handling kitchen tasks. Further observations revealed unsanitary conditions with kitchen equipment and storage practices. A large stand mixer and a meat slicer were found with dried food debris, and the Cook/Dietary Aide confirmed they had not been cleaned. In the dry storage area, a large container of flour was uncovered, and two boxes of food were placed directly on the floor. The dietitian confirmed that food should not be on the floor and the flour should be covered. Additionally, there was no thermometer in the milk cooler, which was later found in another cooler, as confirmed by the Corporate Dietary Manager.
Plan Of Correction
1. The facility cannot retroactively address the findings. 2. Baseline audit to be completed of kitchen food storage and preparation. 3. Contracted Dietary Manager to educate staff on proper food storage, handling, preparation and distribution to residents. 4. Contracted Dietary Manager/designee to complete weekly sanitation audits to ensure food is received, stored, prepared, served and distributed in accordance with food safety regulations. Audits to be completed weekly for 4 weeks then monthly for 2 months. Results of this audit will be reviewed by the Quality Assurance and Improvement Committee for additional recommendations if necessary.