Deficient Food Storage, Labeling, and Kitchen Sanitation Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the facility's kitchen related to food storage, labeling, and sanitation. In the dry storage area, bulk food items such as granulated sugar, powdered sugar, flour, and corn meal were stored in clear plastic bins without best by or expiration dates. An open box of dry pinto beans was left unsealed and exposed to air. Additionally, containers of opened juice concentrate connected to the juice dispenser were found without open dates, despite the dietary manager stating that these juices have a shelf life of seven days after opening. The dietary manager confirmed responsibility for training staff on kitchen sanitation, including labeling and dating food items, but acknowledged these practices were not being followed at the time of the survey. Further observations revealed a gap approximately 1 inch by 18 inches under a window air conditioning unit beside the employee handwashing station, with the outside visible through the gap. The air conditioning unit above the clean dish station had dirty lint and black buildup on the vents. The dietary manager stated that the previous maintenance person was aware of the gap, but she had not reported it to the new maintenance staff. Both the registered dietician and the administrator confirmed that proper labeling, storage, and sanitation measures were not being followed, which could result in contamination and illness if not addressed.