Expired Food and Seasonings Not Discarded per Policy
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to discard food and seasonings by their expiration dates, as required by the facility's policy on labeling and dating. During a kitchen tour, surveyors observed expired items including tarragon leaf, cumin seasoning, vegetable oil, and a bag of salad mix. The Dietary Manager confirmed that inventory checks are performed by both herself and kitchen staff, and that expired items should be discarded during these checks. However, the expired items were still present in storage at the time of the survey. Interviews with the Dietary Manager, Registered Dietician, and kitchen staff confirmed that all kitchen staff are responsible for inventory checks and discarding expired items. The Administrator also stated that his expectation is for all inventory items to be labeled, dated, and expired items discarded. Despite these stated procedures and staff training, expired food items were found in storage, indicating a failure to follow established food safety protocols.