Improper Food Storage, Labeling, and Personal Item Handling in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to prepare, distribute, and serve food in a manner that prevents foodborne illness for all residents reviewed. During a kitchen inspection, multiple food items in the cooler and refrigerators were found either unlabeled or labeled incorrectly regarding open or use-by dates. Examples included pulled pork, red Jello, crushed pineapple, tomato sauce, and ham salad, some of which were expired or lacked proper labeling. Staff interviews confirmed that the labeling and discarding of expired foods had not been consistently performed, particularly over the weekend. Additionally, personal beverages belonging to a cook were observed on the food preparation table near items being served for lunch. The facility's policies require that personal items and beverages be stored away from food preparation areas, but staff were unclear about appropriate storage locations for personal beverages. The Dietary Manager confirmed that the observed practices did not meet facility expectations for food safety and personal hygiene.