Multiple Food Safety and Sanitation Deficiencies in Main Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly monitor food expiration dates in the Main Kitchen, as evidenced by multiple opened food items in the freezer and walk-in cooler that were either undated or expired. These included half a bag of bacon pieces, ham slices, a container of sour cream, pineapple salad, mayonnaise, and mixed fruit, all of which were either missing dates or had expired. The Dietary Manager confirmed these findings and acknowledged the lack of monitoring for food expiration dates. Additionally, observations revealed that the walk-in cooler fans, ceiling, and walls, as well as the main kitchen ceiling vents, had grime buildup, indicating a failure to maintain food equipment in a clean and sanitary condition. During tray line observation, two employees with beards were not wearing beard nets, and the Dietary Manager confirmed that beard nets were not available. Furthermore, seven plate lids fell onto the floor and were picked up and reused by a staff member until a surveyor intervened, demonstrating a failure to maintain sanitary conditions and prevent cross-contamination. In the dish room, it was observed that the facility did not verify the final rinse temperature of the dish machine using temperature test strips, and the Dietary Manager stated that this practice was not in place. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed all these deficiencies, which were found to be in violation of facility policies and state regulations.