Improper Labeling and Dating of Food Items in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple instances of improper labeling and dating of food items in the facility's kitchen and food storage areas. During an initial tour, a small plastic container of chicken salad and a container of deviled eggs were found open with only the date of opening and no use by date. Additionally, a gallon of 2% milk was found open without any label or date. On a subsequent tour, cheddar cheese slices were found in a plastic bag with a use by date that had already passed, and sausage was stored in a metal pan that was only partially covered with aluminum foil. Review of the facility's Food Purchasing and Storage Policy confirmed that all food items in refrigerators are required to be properly dated, labeled, and stored in sealed containers or bags. The observations made by surveyors indicated that these procedures were not consistently followed, resulting in the potential for foodborne illness among residents consuming food from the kitchen. No specific residents were identified as being directly affected at the time of the survey.