Failure to Store and Handle Food According to Professional Standards
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store food and beverages and utilize kitchen equipment in accordance with professional standards for food service safety in the main kitchen. Observations in the dry storage area revealed a bottle of honey thick orange juice with a past best by date, and in the reach-in freezer, multiple packs of waffles and fish patties were found open, unlabeled, and not dated as required by facility policy. Additionally, scoops were stored inside containers of flour and sugar, contrary to policy which requires scoops to be stored separately and cleaned regularly. Further inspection of the milk reach-in refrigerator showed two containers of milk with expired sell by dates, as well as personal water and soda bottles belonging to kitchen staff. The bottom of the refrigerator was heavily soiled with liquid and dried milk. An interview with the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that the facility's expectation is for expired items to be discarded, food items to be labeled and dated, and for food and kitchen equipment to be stored, cleaned, and used according to professional standards.