Deficient Food Storage and Sanitation Practices Identified
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in food storage and preparation practices within the facility's kitchen. During an initial tour, it was found that a bag of mixed vegetables and Charbroil burgers in the walk-in freezer had been opened and not resealed, leaving the contents exposed. In the walk-in refrigerator, 58 individual cartons of whole milk were present with a sell-by date that had already passed. Additionally, leftover chili was found without any date, and a five-pound carton of sour cream was discovered to be expired. A scoop was observed resting on the lid of a thickener container, not stored in a sanitary manner. Dust was noted on all four pipes over the stove cooktop on the ansel system, and the shelf above the cooktop was both dusty and greasy. An interview with the cook confirmed the presence of outdated, unsealed, and undated food items, as well as the unsanitary storage of the scoop and the dusty kitchen surfaces. Review of the facility's Food Storage-Labeling and Dating policy indicated that all food must be dated upon entry and after opening, with leftovers to be held for no more than seven days unless the manufacturer's expiration date is sooner. These observations and confirmations demonstrate that the facility failed to store and prepare food under sanitary conditions, affecting all residents who receive nutrition from the kitchen.
Plan Of Correction
The facility will continue to ensure food is stored properly and prepared under sanitary conditions. Dietary Manager immediately threw away a bag of mixed vegetables, charbroil burgers, 58 cartons of Bordon whole milk, leftover chili, and a five-pound carton of Gordon Choice sour cream noted in the facility's initial tour on 3/24/2025. The Dietary Manager immediately cleaned the scoop on the lid of the thickener container, dust on all four pipes over the stove cooktop on the Ansul system, and dust/grease on the shelf over the cookout noted on the initial tour on 3/24/2025. An initial walk-through of the kitchen and storage areas was conducted by the Administrator on 3/28/2025, to ensure proper storage, labeling, and cleanliness of the kitchen. No negative findings were noted. The Administrator reeducated all dietary staff on the facility's food storage-labeling and dating policy, as well as the cleaning schedule, on 3/24/2025. Weekly, for two weeks, the Dietary Manager and/or designee will conduct an audit three times per week to ensure dietary staff is following facility policy regarding proper food storage and the cleaning schedule. Negative findings will be corrected immediately by reeducating dietary staff and reported to QA for review and recommendation. The Administrator will ensure the completion of weekly audits. The Administrator is responsible for ongoing compliance.