Improper Food Storage and Labeling in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food safety in its kitchen. Specifically, five dented cans containing various food items were found stored on different racks in the dry food storage area. Additionally, a plastic container holding a white substance, possibly cornmeal or flour, was not labeled. Staff interviews confirmed that all food items are required by facility policy to be labeled and dated, and that dented cans should be removed or returned to the vendor. However, these procedures were not followed, and the reasons for these lapses were not clearly explained by staff. The facility's own policy mandates that all food items must be labeled with the product name, date opened, and use-by date, and that storage areas should be regularly inspected to ensure compliance. Despite this, the observed deficiencies included both the presence of unlabeled food and the improper storage of dented cans, which were not placed in the designated area for return. These failures were acknowledged by dietary staff and management during interviews, who recognized the risks associated with such practices.