Deficient Food Storage and Handling Practices Observed in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper storage and handling of food items in the kitchen, as observed during a survey. In the dry storage area, expired food items, including a pack of hamburger buns and a can of pork and beans, were found to be kept in stock past their use-by dates. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that these items should have been discarded and stated that the facility follows a first-in, first-out process, but these expired items were missed. The facility's policy and procedure on storage of canned and dry goods specifies that no expired or beyond best buy date food items should be in stock. Additionally, improper ice handling practices were observed during the lunch tray line. A dietary aide was seen touching ice with bare hands while preparing residents' drinks, then touching the trash can liner with bare hands, and subsequently handling milk cups and ice without washing hands. Both the dietary supervisor and the aide confirmed that hand washing should have occurred after touching the trash can to prevent cross-contamination. The facility's policy on sanitation and infection control, as well as the FDA Food Code, require hand washing after handling waste and prohibit bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Plan Of Correction
Ftag=812 Food Procurement, Store/Prepare/Serve-Sanitary Immediate corrective action/s: The Dietary Supervisor on 4/28/2025 immediately discarded the 1 pack of hamburger buns and the 1 can of pork and beans. The Infection Prevention (IP) on 5/5/2025 and 5/20/2025 provided a one-to-one in-service to Dietary Aide 1 regarding policy and procedure on Infection Control, emphasizing the importance of proper sanitary manners after touching the trash, handling ice, and any food items. The Dietary Supervisor on 5/5/2025, 5/8/2025, and 5/20/2025 in-serviced the Dietary Staff regarding the policy and procedures on "Storage of Canned and Dry Goods," emphasizing food storage and that expired dry food items must be discarded immediately, as well as the importance of proper sanitary manners after touching the trash, handling ice, and any food items. Identification of others at risk: The Dietary Supervisor on 4/28/2025 and 5/20/2025 conducted a thorough check in the dry storage area of Kitchen 1. No other deficiencies were identified. The Dietary Supervisor on 4/29/2025 and 5/20/2025 spot checked the dietary staff on proper hand washing, and no other staff were identified with the same deficient practice. The Dietary Cook will perform checks of food storage areas using a "Food Storage Audit Checklist" 3 times a week that includes label and expiration date; any findings will be reported to the Dietary Manager for follow-up. The Dietary Manager will conduct daily spot checks to Dietary staff to ensure all staff are performing good hand hygiene/washing, especially in handling ice and any other food items. On 5/8/2025, the Dietary Manager provided posters and visual guides placed in storage areas as reminders. Monitoring process: The Administrator will conduct monthly reviews of findings with the Dietary Supervisor. Any deficient practice identified will be discussed during the monthly CQI/QA meeting for further recommendation and resolution for 3 months. Completion Date: 5/20/25 On 4/29/2025 and 5/20/2025, the Dietary Manager provided a random check on the dietary staff regarding proper sanitary manners such as good handwashing technique, and no other staff were identified with the same deficient practice. Process to prevent recurrence: The Dietary Cook will perform checks of food storage areas using a "Food Storage Audit Checklist" 3 times a week that includes label and expiration date; any findings will be reported to the Dietary Manager for follow-up. The Dietary Manager will conduct daily spot checks to Dietary staff to ensure all staff are performing good hand hygiene/washing in handling ice and any other food items. On 5/8/2025, the Dietary Manager provided posters and visual guides placed in storage areas as reminders. Monitoring process: The Administrator will conduct monthly reviews of findings with the Dietary Supervisor. Any deficient practice identified will be discussed during the monthly CQI/QA meeting for further recommendation and resolution for 3 months. Completion Date: 5/20/25