Failure to Label and Date Food Items in Facility Kitchens
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to properly label and date food items stored in refrigerators across multiple kitchen units. Specifically, individual prepared and pureed parfaits, as well as uncooked pasteurized eggs stored in clear, unlabeled containers, were found without any labels or dates in several kitchen refrigerators. Dietary staff confirmed that parfaits were not dated if they were intended to be served the same day, and there was no system in place to track the preparation or expiration dates for eggs once removed from their original packaging. The facility's policy required all food items to be labeled and dated to ensure proper rotation and prevent expired food from being served. Interviews with the Dietary Manager (DM) and the Assistant Dietary Manager (ADM) revealed that all dietary staff were responsible for labeling and dating food, and that training on these procedures was provided upon hire and during monthly in-services. Despite these expectations and regular audits by the DM and the facility's registered dietician, the lack of labeling and dating persisted. The facility's written policy also specified that all food should be appropriately dated to ensure safe storage and prevent the use of expired items.