Failure to Maintain Kitchen Sanitation and Proper Food Storage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the kitchen in a sanitary condition, as evidenced by improper labeling, dating, and storage of food items. During an inspection, surveyors observed a container of rice labeled with an expiration date, but a container of sugar was found without any label or date, and a plastic cup was in direct contact with the sugar. In the walk-in freezer, there was a partial sheet of ice, iced condensation on the ceiling, and frost on several boxes, with no temperature logs available for the month. The walk-in refrigerator contained multiple food items, such as fruit cocktail, yogurt, parmesan cheese, slaw, breaded chicken breasts, and an unknown product, many of which lacked open or use-by dates or labels. Seven bags of an unknown yellow product were also found without labels or dates. Behind the stove, disposable plates with slices of pie were left for approximately one month. Employee jackets were stored on racks with clean kitchenware, and the dish machine failed to reach the required rinse temperature, with no temperature logs maintained. The Dietary Manager confirmed several of these issues, acknowledging the lack of proper labeling, dating, and storage as potential infection control problems. The Dietary Manager was also unaware of a cleaning schedule for the kitchen. The Administrator, who had been in the position for three weeks, was aware that the kitchen required attention regarding sanitation. These findings indicate multiple failures to follow facility policies and FDA Food Code guidelines for food storage and kitchen sanitation.