Deficient Food Storage and Service Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the facility's food storage, preparation, and service practices. During a kitchen tour, several food items in the freezer, such as ice cream, garlic bread, fish sticks, corn dogs, mixed vegetables, pork chops, and corn, were found either open to air, lacking proper closure, or missing labels and dates. In the dry pantry, numerous items including brown sugar, food coloring, gelatin, crackers, drink mixes, coffee, tea, hot sauce, chili powder, soy sauce, gravy mix, and soup were either undated, expired, or not stored according to manufacturer instructions. Additionally, a kitchen employee's personal food was found stored in the refrigerator alongside facility food items. Further observations in the dining area revealed that condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and honey were left on tables for resident use, with some bottles not refrigerated as instructed and others past their expiration dates. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that serving outdated or unrefrigerated foods and condiments could result in residents becoming ill. A review of the facility's food storage policy indicated requirements for proper sealing, dating, and separation of employee personal items, which were not followed as evidenced by the survey findings.