Failure to Label and Date Food Items in Kitchen Storage
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the facility's kitchen regarding the proper labeling and dating of food items. Specifically, four storage bags of cheese were found in the walk-in refrigerator with only the received date and no indication of when they were opened. Additionally, a cart containing prepared water and juice was stored in the refrigerator without any creation or discard dates on the trays or containers. In the dry storage room, three open packages of bread were found without any dates indicating when they were opened. These observations were confirmed through interviews with kitchen staff and the dietary manager, who acknowledged that labeling and dating procedures were not consistently followed. Record review of the facility's Nutrition Services Policy & Procedures revealed requirements for all containers to be legibly and accurately labeled, including the date the package was opened, and for leftover food to be clearly labeled and dated before refrigeration. Despite these policies, staff interviews indicated reliance on manufacturer dates or received dates, and occasional lapses in labeling when staff were busy or items were delivered. No specific residents were identified as being directly affected at the time of the survey.