Deficient Food Storage, Labeling, and Sanitation Practices Identified
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the facility's food storage, preparation, and labeling practices. In the kitchen refrigerator, an opened sponge cake was found unlabeled and undated, and a container of dried milk was kept beyond its recommended use period. The kitchen freezer contained several food items, including gluten-free pasta shells stored on the floor, undated and unlabeled packages of waffles and egg omelets, and opened bags of chicken and chicken strips that were not properly sealed, labeled, or dated. In dry storage, an opened jug of molasses with residue on the outside and a jar of salsa with dried salsa and an unsecured lid were found. Multiple opened bags of tortilla chips were not properly closed, and scoops were stored inside a sugar bin, contrary to facility policy. The lids of sugar and flour bins were also found to be soiled with food debris. Additionally, the coffee machine had visible debris and buildup, and a salad brought from outside was found in the kitchenette refrigerator without a label or date. Interviews with the dietary manager and administrator confirmed awareness of the improper food storage and labeling practices, as well as the potential for pest attraction due to these lapses. Facility policies require that all food items be labeled, dated, and stored in clean, sealed containers, with scoops kept outside of food bins and all foods stored off the floor. The observed failures to follow these procedures were verified by both staff and management during the survey.