Deficient Food Storage and Preparation Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in food preparation and storage practices within the facility. In the main kitchen, four metal pans and three large pitchers were found stored while still wet, contrary to professional standards and facility policy, which require all dishes and utensils to be air-dried after washing. Both the Dietary Manager and Registered Dietician confirmed that storing wet dishes is not acceptable, as moisture can harbor bacteria. The facility's dishwashing procedure and the FDA Food Code both mandate air-drying of equipment and utensils after sanitization. Further deficiencies were identified in the satellite kitchen, where an undated cup of cut fruit and a tub of low-fat cottage cheese past its expiration date were found in the refrigerator. Staff interviews confirmed that all prepared foods should be dated and expired items discarded promptly. Additionally, in the resident dining area, an open bottle of reduced fat ultra filtered milk without a date was found in a resident's refrigerator. Staff acknowledged that all resident food items should be labeled with the resident's name, room number, and the date of opening or receipt. Facility policy requires all food products to be dated upon receipt, opening, and preparation, and for expired or outdated items to be discarded.