Improper Food Storage and Labeling in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple instances of improper food storage in the facility's kitchen. Items found included a small dish of salad covered in plastic wrap without a preparation or use by date, a container of tuna fish labeled with a preparation date, a container of chicken salad with a preparation date, and a bowl of cooked potatoes that was uncovered and undated. Additionally, thawed chicken breasts, cucumbers that were leaking fluid and had black spots, and thawed sliced deli meats with dates indicating they had been pulled from the freezer well beyond recommended timeframes were found in the walk-in refrigerator. These findings were confirmed by the dietary cook during the survey. A review of the facility's food storage policies revealed requirements for all foods to be wrapped or in covered containers, labeled, dated, and arranged to prevent cross-contamination. The policies also specified storage timeframes for ready-to-eat and raw foods. The FDA Food Code was also referenced, which outlines standards for date marking, storage, and discarding of foods to prevent contamination. The facility failed to follow these professional standards and its own policies, resulting in the cited deficiency.