Deficient Food Storage, Labeling, and Sanitation Practices in Dietary Department
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper food storage, labeling, and sanitation practices in the dietary department, as observed during multiple inspections. Opened food items in the walk-in refrigerator, dry storage, and food storage bins were found without open dates or proper wrapping, contrary to facility policy. The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and Assistant Dietary Manager (ADM) confirmed these deficiencies, acknowledging that staff are expected to label and date all opened food items and store them securely, but could not provide reasons for the lapses. Additionally, the ADM admitted to placing some of the items herself without dating them and could not recall the last time staff were educated on this requirement. Further observations revealed that the utensil storage drawer, which contained clean food scoops and serving spoons, had visible debris and was not cleaned regularly, with the ADM stating it was only cleaned monthly and should have been cleaned sooner when debris was present. The facility lacked a policy regarding the cleaning of dishware storage. Personal items, specifically a staff member's cell phone, were found on the main food preparation table, which both the CDM and ADM acknowledged was inappropriate, and the facility did not have a policy addressing the storage of personal items in food preparation areas. The facility also failed to ensure proper sanitization of dishware in the three-compartment sink. A dietary aide was observed washing and sanitizing utensils and pans by dipping them in the sanitizing solution for only two seconds, rather than the required one minute as indicated by both facility policy and posted instructions. The aide reported not having been trained on the correct procedure, and both the ADM and CDM confirmed that the dietary aide was newly employed and had not received education on proper use of the three-compartment sink. The ADM could not recall when the last in-service training on this topic had occurred.