Failure to Maintain Food Safety and Sanitation Standards
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards of food safety and sanitation, as evidenced by multiple observations in both the main kitchen and a kitchenette. Surveyors found that food items in the main kitchen walk-in refrigerator were not properly labeled or dated, including an opened container of thickened cranberry juice and a pouch of whipped cream, both lacking required date markings. Additionally, milk cartons were stored directly on the floor, and staff members' personal food and beverages were found in the main kitchen refrigerator, contrary to facility expectations. The Food Service Director (FSD) confirmed that all foods should be labeled with the date opened and use-by date, and that staff food should be stored in the employee break room, not the main kitchen. In the third-floor kitchenette, surveyors observed several food and drink items that were not properly labeled or dated, including open containers of nutritional drinks and dairy-free milk, as well as resident-provided foods that were undated or stored in broken containers. Some items were found with visible spoilage, such as a container with a black fuzzy substance under the cover. The FSD stated that foods from home should be labeled with the resident's name and date brought in, and that expired or spoiled foods should be discarded. Despite these expectations, the surveyor repeatedly found improperly stored and labeled items during multiple visits. Sanitation issues were also identified in both the main kitchen and the kitchenette. The wall behind the dishwashing station in the main kitchen and the countertop next to the sink in the kitchenette were observed on several occasions to have black mold-like residue. The FSD and other staff acknowledged the presence of this residue and attributed it to moisture and water splashing, but it was not adequately addressed. Additionally, staff were observed preparing and serving food without appropriate hair restraints, and the hair net holder in the kitchen was empty. The FSD confirmed that staff should not be near food preparation areas without proper hair or beard covers.