Failure to Remove Expired and Undated Perishable Food in Walk-In Cooler
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to remove expired food and failed to date perishable food items stored in the walk-in cooler. During the initial kitchen tour, several food items were found either past their expiration date or lacking proper labeling and dating. Specifically, containers of chicken breasts, chicken noodle soup, and creamed corn were found with dates indicating they were expired, and a tray of tuna salad sandwiches was not dated at all. Additionally, a tray of bologna sandwiches was found with a date, but it was not specified if it was current or expired. These observations were made in the presence of the Assistant Dietary Supervisor, who acknowledged the presence of expired and undated perishable food items. Interviews with the Assistant Dietary Supervisor and the interim Dietary Manager confirmed that the facility's process requires all food to be sealed, labeled, and dated with both an opened date and a discard date. Both staff members stated that dietary staff are responsible for regularly checking food items and discarding any that are expired or not properly labeled. The Administrator also confirmed that all dietary staff had been educated on these procedures, but the deficiency was observed during the survey.