Deficient Food Storage, Labeling, and Hygiene Practices Identified
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in food storage, labeling, and hygiene practices within the facility's kitchen and resident food storage areas. Clean plastic containers were found stacked while still wet, contrary to proper drying procedures. Grape juice was served to residents despite being past its use-by date, and several food items in resident refrigerators, such as potato salad, salad greens, and frozen strawberries, were found to be expired or past their designated use-by dates. Additionally, an open box of ice cream bars lacked a use-by date, and cartons of food thickener in dry storage were observed to be past their best used-by dates. Staff interviews confirmed that these items should have been discarded according to facility policy and food safety standards. Further, a staff member was observed preparing food without wearing a required hairnet or hair restraint, which was acknowledged as a violation of facility policy by supervisory staff. These findings demonstrate a lack of adherence to professional standards and facility policies regarding food safety, labeling, and hygiene, as required by the FDA Food Code and the facility's own procedures. No information was provided regarding the medical history or condition of specific residents affected at the time of the deficiency.