Deficiency in Food Storage Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was stored in accordance with professional standards for food service safety, as observed during a recertification survey. During an initial tour of the kitchen, surveyors found several unlabeled 4-ounce cups filled with white, brown, and thickened yellow liquids in the nutrition and storage refrigerator. These liquids were dated 2/4 and 2/10, respectively, and were identified by the Cook Supervisor as [MEDICATION NAME] milk, prune juice, and smoothies. The Cook Supervisor acknowledged that the [MEDICATION NAME] milk and prune juice were outdated and should have been discarded after three days, but they remained in the refrigerator due to staffing shortages over the weekend. Additionally, an open parcel of all-purpose flour was found on a shelf, unsealed and undated, contrary to the facility's policy. The Food Service Director confirmed that the [MEDICATION NAME] milk and prune juice should have been labeled and discarded after three days, and the flour should have been sealed. The facility's policy, dated 6/26/2028, requires that dry foods be removed from their original packaging, labeled, and dated, and that beverages be dated when opened and discarded after three days. These lapses in food storage practices were in violation of the facility's own policies and professional standards for food service safety.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction: Approved February 28, 2025 F812 Ss=D The Plan of Correction is submitted in compliance with applicable law and regulation. To demonstrate continuing compliance with applicable law, the center has taken or will take actions set forth in following alleged deficiency. How corrective actions will be accomplished for residents found to have been affected by deficient practice: 1. All outdated food identified was immediately removed and discarded. Audit of all food was performed to ensure food is stored in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. Cook supervisor #11 was educated on food receiving and storage. No additional occurrences found. Measures put in place or systemic changes made to ensure that the deficient practice will not reoccur: - The Policy titled Food receiving and storage was reviewed by Director of Dietary and Administrator on 2/28/25, with no revisions needed. - The Director of Dietary food services was in-serviced on dating, discarding and storage of consumable items. - The Director of Dietary/designee will educate all dietary staff on dating, discarding and storage of consumable items. - The Director of Dietary/designee will audit to ensure all foods are dated and properly discarded daily x 1 month, then weekly x 3 months. How facility plans to monitor performance to make sure the solutions are sustained: To ascertain the effectiveness of the education and audit was developed. The Director of Dietary/Designee will perform an Audit to ensure all foods are dated and properly discarded daily x 1 month, then weekly x 3 months. Any discrepancies will be reported to Administrator and immediately corrected. The results of the Audit will be reported at monthly QAPI.