Failure to Document Corrective Actions for Out-of-Range Refrigerator Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store food in accordance with professional standards by not maintaining proper refrigerator temperature logs and not documenting corrective actions for out-of-range temperatures in two nursing station refrigerators. Multiple instances were recorded where refrigerator temperatures exceeded the recommended maximum of 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with some readings as high as 49 degrees Fahrenheit. These out-of-range temperatures were documented repeatedly over several months, including both AM and PM shifts, without any evidence of corrective action being taken or documented by staff. During interviews, the Dietary Manager confirmed that the expected process for out-of-range temperatures was to ensure the refrigerator door was closed, recheck the temperature after an hour, and, if the issue persisted, contact maintenance and the Administrator. However, review of the logs showed that this process was not followed, as there was no documentation of any corrective actions taken for the numerous temperature violations. The lack of adherence to proper food storage protocols was observed and confirmed through record review and staff interviews.