Deficient Food Storage, Labeling, and Hygiene Practices in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to store and label food items in accordance with professional standards and facility policy. Specifically, an opened bottle of sesame dressing was found in the walk-in refrigerator that had been stored for two months after opening, despite staff confirming it should be discarded after one month. Additionally, multiple small cups of cranberry and orange juice were found on a tray without any prepared date, and staff acknowledged that these should be dated to prevent serving spoiled juice. Review of facility policies confirmed that all foods stored in the refrigerator must be covered, labeled, and dated with a use-by date, and that prepared foods require labeling and dating. Further, the facility did not ensure that all personnel in the kitchen, including outside maintenance workers, wore hair nets as required by policy. An outside maintenance worker was observed repairing kitchen equipment without a hair net, and both the worker and the Dietary Service Supervisor confirmed that hair nets are required for anyone entering the kitchen to prevent contamination. These lapses in food storage, labeling, and hygiene practices were confirmed through staff interviews and review of facility policies.