Failure to Date Thawed Health Shakes in Nourishment Rooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that health shakes stored in nourishment room refrigerators on both the first and second floors were properly dated to indicate when they were removed from the freezer and placed under refrigeration. During inspections with the Dietary Manager, it was observed that multiple cartons of shakes in both nourishment rooms lacked documentation of the date they were thawed, despite manufacturer instructions and facility policy requiring such labeling. The Dietary Manager and Registered Dietitian both confirmed that the shakes must be used within 14 days of refrigeration, and that proper dating is necessary to ensure compliance with this requirement. This deficiency was identified through observation, interview, and review of facility policy, and had the potential to affect the majority of residents receiving an oral diet.