Deficiencies in Food Storage and Sanitation Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper food storage and sanitation practices in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. During the recertification survey, it was observed that food items in the kitchen refrigerators, freezers, and storage areas were not properly identified or dated. Specific items such as croissants, pulled chicken, meatballs, and various sauces were found without labels or dates. Additionally, staff members were observed not wearing hairnets or beard covers properly, and maintenance personnel entered the kitchen without appropriate hair coverings. The kitchen environment was also found to be unsanitary, with broken tiles, damaged baseboards, and dust accumulation in various areas. Further observations revealed that the pantry refrigerators on different floors had issues with temperature regulation and cleanliness. The third-floor pantry refrigerator was found to be at 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with open and unlabeled bottles, and a take-out food container with a resident's name dated from a previous month. The ice machines in the pantries were dirty, with hard water deposits noted. The Food Service Director acknowledged these issues and stated that there was a cleaning schedule in place, but the deficiencies in food handling and sanitation practices were evident during the survey.