Undated Food and Unsanitary Conditions in Walk-In Refrigerator
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to date leftover food stored in the walk-in refrigerator, specifically noting two opened and undated bags of shredded cheese on a storage rack. Additionally, the walk-in refrigerator's cooling unit pipe was found to be dripping water onto the floor and wall, and both the pipe and the refrigerator walls had a white, fuzzy substance present. Staff interviews confirmed that the cheese should have been dated for use within seven days and that the walk-in refrigerator's cleaning schedule was unclear, with no one able to state when it was last deep cleaned. Further interviews revealed that neither the dietary staff nor the Maintenance Director were aware of the dripping pipe or the presence of the substance on the pipe and walls. The temporary Dietary Manager acknowledged that the refrigerators should be deep cleaned quarterly but was unaware of the last cleaning. The Administrator confirmed that food should be dated when stored and that the refrigerator should be routinely cleaned and maintained to prevent such issues.