Improper Food Handling and Labeling in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in food handling practices within the facility's kitchen. During a tour, it was noted that plastic cups containing whole milk and juice were labeled only with the date they were poured, lacking any use by or expiration date. Similarly, items in the freezer, such as a bag of green beans and a chocolate cream pie, were labeled with only the date they were stored, without any indication of when they should be used by. Lunch meat boxes also lacked use by dates. The Dietary Supervisor confirmed that the facility does not routinely apply use by or expiration dates to food items, despite the facility's policy requiring all refrigerated and frozen items to be properly covered, dated, and labeled. Additionally, during meal preparation, a kitchen staff member was observed plating food without wearing gloves or washing hands. The staff member acknowledged that gloves are required for food safety and to prevent contamination. These practices were inconsistent with professional standards and the facility's own policies, potentially exposing residents to foodborne illness due to improper food handling and inadequate labeling of potentially hazardous foods.