Deficient Food Safety and Sanitation Practices in Kitchen Operations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain safe and sanitary food preparation and storage practices as evidenced by several observed deficiencies. One expired peanut butter and jelly sandwich was found in the snacks refrigerator, despite facility policy requiring items to be clearly marked with a use-by date and discarded accordingly. Both the Assistant Dietary Supervisor (ADS) and the Registered Dietician (RD) confirmed that the sandwich was past its expiration date and should not have been available for consumption. Additionally, a dispensing scoop was observed stored inside a container of mashed potato powder, in direct contact with the food product, contrary to professional standards and FDA Food Code, which require utensils to be stored with handles above the food to prevent cross-contamination. Further observations revealed that the kitchen door near the garbage area was left open for approximately 20 minutes, which the ADS acknowledged could allow insects and dust to enter, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Three large dumpsters were also found without tight-fitting covers, a violation of facility policy and food safety standards, as this could attract insects and rodents. These lapses in food safety and sanitation practices were observed in a facility serving 112 out of 115 residents who received food prepared in the kitchen.