Sanitary Deficiencies in Food Storage, Labeling, and Kitchen Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to meet sanitary requirements in the kitchen, as evidenced by improper labeling and dating of food items, failure to discard expired food, and lack of adherence to food storage policies. During an inspection, surveyors observed multiple food items in refrigerators that were not labeled or dated, including bags of cheese and containers of thickened juices. Additionally, a container with brown granules was found unlabeled on a kitchen shelf. The facility's own policies required all products to be dated upon receipt and when opened, and to include use-by dates, but these procedures were not followed. Food brought in by visitors for residents was also not consistently labeled with the resident's name, room number, and date received, contrary to posted facility instructions. Further observations revealed that kitchen equipment and utensils were not maintained in a sanitary condition. Inspectors found an ice machine with black particles on the deflector and groove, and several utensils and scoops were either chipped, corroded, stained, or had food debris. The can opener and peeler were rusted, and storage bins for scoops were stained. Cupcake pans and a microwave were also found with discoloration and food debris. These findings were verified by dietary staff and the Director of Maintenance, who confirmed the cleaning responsibilities and schedules. Additional deficiencies included the improper air-drying of utensils, as six scoops were found stored wet inside a storage bin, and a cutting board was observed to be heavily marred with knife marks, making it difficult to clean and sanitize. These failures were observed in areas where food was prepared for nearly all residents in the facility, as indicated by the Diet Type Report. The lack of adherence to professional standards and facility policies for food storage, labeling, and equipment sanitation had the potential to impact the safety of food served to a medically vulnerable population.