Deficiencies in Food Storage, Sanitation, and Meal Delivery Protocols
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper food storage, labeling, and sanitation in the kitchen, as well as adherence to infection control protocols during meal delivery. During a kitchen tour, it was observed that several food items, including bottles of lime juice and a carton of liquid whole eggs, were not properly dated or discarded according to the Idaho Food Code. Additionally, the kitchen equipment and surfaces, such as the walk-in refrigerator door, toaster, air fryer, and steam table, were found to have various substances on them, indicating a lack of cleanliness. The dish machine's rinse temperature was recorded below the required level, and sanitation was not documented, further highlighting the facility's failure to maintain sanitary conditions. Furthermore, during meal delivery, an RN was observed delivering trays to residents without covering the salad and hot spiced apples, which is against the infection control protocol. The RN was unsure if the food needed to be covered when transported over a long distance, and the dietary manager later confirmed that food should be covered during such deliveries. These deficiencies in food handling and infection control practices had the potential to affect all 39 residents receiving meals from the facility's kitchen.