Deficient Food Storage and Preparation Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in food storage and preparation practices within the facility's kitchen. A disposable cup of coffee belonging to a kitchen staff member was found on top of a metal cart outside the dry food storage area, despite facility policy prohibiting personal or staff food items in the kitchen to prevent cross contamination. Several food items in the dry storage area, including boxes of dried noodles, a bottle of instant coffee, and a box of wonton chips, were found open and not labeled with an open date. Additionally, the wonton chips were stored in an unsealed plastic bag. A container labeled as containing black-eyed peas was found to actually contain brown short grain, which appeared to be brown rice, and red potatoes were observed stored in a wet bin rather than a dry container as required by policy. Interviews with the Director of Hospitality Services and the Director of Long-Term Care confirmed that these practices were not in accordance with facility policy or professional standards. Both directors acknowledged that all opened food items should be labeled with an open date, containers should be labeled accurately, and produce should be stored in dry containers to prevent contamination. The facility's policy and the Food Code 2022 were reviewed, both of which require proper labeling, sealing, and storage of food items to maintain safety and prevent contamination.