Deficient Food Storage, Labeling, and Sanitation Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the facility's food storage and handling practices. During a kitchen tour, an undated and opened bag of mixed vegetables, an undated and improperly sealed box of frozen hot dogs with visible frost, and an undated, improperly closed tub of chocolate ice cream with ice crystals were found in the walk-in freezer. In the dry storage room, an undated and opened box of parboiled rice was also observed. The Dietary Manager confirmed that all food items should be properly dated and sealed to maintain quality and prevent contamination. Additionally, a dietary aide was seen wearing a hair net that did not contain all of her hair, contrary to facility policy requiring all hair to be restrained for sanitation purposes. Further, a sanitizer test in the kitchen revealed that a sanitation bucket near the dish machine contained soap instead of sanitizer, as indicated by the test strip not changing to the required color for proper sanitizer concentration. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that the sanitizer concentration should be within the appropriate range to prevent bacterial growth. These observations were inconsistent with the facility's policies on food safety, labeling and dating foods, storage of dry goods, and staff hygiene practices.