Food Storage and Sanitation Deficiencies in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in food storage, preparation, and sanitation within the facility's kitchen. Raw chicken was found thawing in a two-compartment sink labeled for vegetables only, without running water, and raw ground beef was placed on the counter next to this sink. Additionally, three clear bags containing meat in the walk-in freezer were not labeled or dated. Inside the reach-in refrigerator, a small box labeled as an employee's medication and a large soft drink cup were found stored alongside food items. These practices were not in accordance with professional standards and the facility's own policies, which require all foods to be covered, labeled, and dated, and prohibit the storage of personal items and medications in food storage areas. Interviews with staff and administration confirmed that the observed practices were not compliant with facility policies or food safety standards. The Dietary Director acknowledged that the meat should have been labeled and dated, and that the medication and soft drink cup should not have been stored in the refrigerator. The staff member whose medication was found in the refrigerator admitted to storing it there without informing management, despite knowing it was not allowed. The administrator confirmed that staff had been in-serviced on these policies and that alternative storage options for personal items and medications were available, such as employee lockers and a lounge refrigerator.