Failure to Maintain Food Safety and Sanitary Conditions in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure proper labeling and dating of food items in the freezer, as well as failed to discard expired food items. Specifically, a large box of beef stew was found in the reach-in freezer without any expiration or open date written on the box or a label. Staff interviews confirmed that the protocol required expired food to be discarded within three days of expiration, and that in-service education had been provided on proper labeling, storage, and discarding of food items. Additionally, the interior components of the kitchen ice machine, including the wall lining and dispenser area, were found to have visible black residue. The Dietary Manager acknowledged the unsanitary condition of the ice machine and confirmed it was in regular use for residents. The Maintenance Director confirmed that his staff was responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the ice machine on a regular basis, following manufacturer guidelines and facility rules, and that logs were maintained after each cleaning.