Deficient Food Storage, Labeling, and Sanitation Practices Identified
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified multiple deficiencies in the facility's food storage, preparation, and sanitation practices. During an inspection of the kitchen and unit refrigerators, they observed expired food items, food without proper labeling or dating, and food that was not covered as required by facility policy. Specific findings included bags of lettuce, biscuit mix, crackers, and other items with expired or missing dates, as well as prepared foods such as cherry delight, apple pie, and ice cream that were not labeled or dated. Additionally, some food items were found uncovered in the walk-in refrigerator, and the facility's policy requiring all food to be labeled, covered, and dated was not consistently followed. The kitchen equipment was also found to be inadequately maintained. The fryer contained dried oil, grease, and food particles, and the oil was dark and contained visible debris, indicating it had not been cleaned as required. The ice machine was found to have black specks after being wiped, and cleaning logs showed it had not been cleaned according to the facility's weekly schedule. These observations were confirmed by dietary staff and the Certified Dietary Manager, who acknowledged that cleaning had not occurred as frequently as required. Further, the surveyors found that employee and resident food items were stored together in unit refrigerators, contrary to facility policy, which prohibits staff food from being stored with residents' food. Items belonging to both staff and residents were found without proper labeling, dating, or identification. Interviews with staff and the administrator revealed a lack of consistent adherence to these policies, with some staff believing it was acceptable to store items together if they were dated, despite the written policy stating otherwise.