Failure to Properly Label and Date Food Items in Kitchen and Freezer
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food items were stored in safe and sanitary conditions according to its own policies and procedures. During an observation of the kitchen with the Dietary Supervisor, it was found that an opened container of Creamy Italian Dressing and an opened container of Pancake & Waffle Syrup were labeled only with the delivery or received date, not the required use by date. Additionally, sixteen bags of frozen green vegetables stored in the freezer were not labeled with the name of the food item or the use by date, making it difficult to distinguish between similar items such as green beans and asparagus. The Dietary Supervisor confirmed during interviews that the facility's policy requires all food items in the kitchen, refrigerator, and freezer to be labeled and dated with the use by date to prevent serving expired food and to ensure correct menu items are used. The supervisor acknowledged that the lack of labeling could result in staff using the wrong ingredients and that the facility's policy was not followed in these instances. A review of the facility's policy confirmed the requirement for proper labeling and dating of all stored foods.