Improper Dishware Storage and Inadequate Food Labeling in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the facility's kitchen related to the cleaning, drying, and storage of dishware, as well as the labeling and dating of food items. During the initial kitchen tour, dishware that was considered ready for use was found stacked while still wet, with pooled water present in and around several metal serving bins and plastic bowls. Some dishware was also observed with food debris, sticky substances, and even dead insects present. Specifically, one metal serving bin had dried red food debris, two plastic bins had a brown sticky substance, and one dessert bowl contained two dead gnats in pooled water. Additionally, food storage practices were found to be lacking. Several opened boxes of frozen food items in the walk-in freezer, such as green beans, diced green peppers, French bread, cookie dough, and biscuit dough, were not labeled with dates. In the dry goods storage area, opened bottles of chocolate syrup and cereal bags were not labeled with opened or use-by dates. The walk-in cooler also contained a box of strawberries with no date. Interviews with the Dietary Manager and Administrator confirmed that the facility's expectation was for dishware to be thoroughly cleaned, dried, and stored properly, and for all food items to be labeled and dated when opened.