Deficiency in Food Storage and Labeling
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was stored, prepared, distributed, and served in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. During a kitchen observation, it was found that the walk-in refrigerator contained undated items, including five trays of unpackaged eggs, four undated bologna and cheese sandwiches, and an open, undated 5-pound container of peanut butter with an unreadable expiration date. The Dietary Director acknowledged that all refrigerated items should have been labeled with dates to ensure they are discarded within 48-72 hours, as per the facility's policy. Additionally, a unit refrigerator was observed with spilled liquid and undated food items, including two cups of facility-prepared peaches and an open, undated cranberry juice. A Registered Nurse confirmed that all food should be dated with the resident's name and date before being placed in the refrigerator, and that the refrigerator should be free of standing liquids. The Associate Administrator and Director of Nursing Services also confirmed that food should be dated and discarded within 48 hours, and that nursing staff are responsible for ensuring proper labeling and disposal of food items.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved January 30, 2025 **NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Element 1 All food items stored in the refrigerators without proper labeling, opened food items without dates, and the expired food items were discarded on [DATE]. And the refrigerators were cleaned on [DATE]. Element 2 All residents had potential to be affected by the deficient practice. Element 3 The policy and procedures titled Food storage, Food from outside, and Unit Food Storage was reviewed, with no revisions needed. The Ass Administrator or designee will inservice dietary and RN's, LPN's & CNA's on managing and maintaining proper food storage areas. Focus on ensuring food is labeled, dated, and discarded upon expiration. And that the refrigerators are cleaned regularly. The Asst administrator or designee will Round 2x’s per week x4 weeks, then monthly x3mths. Any issues will be immediately addressed. An Audit tool developed on this issue. Element 4 The Ass. Administrator or designee will report findings to QA committee Monthly X 3 Months. Audit will include monitoring of shelving units to ensure they are free from dirt and that all food is labeled and discarded according to facility policy. Responsible party: Administrator/designee.