Improper Food Storage and Handling Practices Identified in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. During an inspection of the kitchen's dry storage, refrigerator, and freezer areas, multiple food items were found to be improperly stored. Specifically, several containers and packages of cereal, oats, pasta, fish fry, rice, tortillas, marshmallows, grape jelly, and hamburger patties were unsealed and exposed to air. Additionally, some items lacked expiration dates, and expired food items were present in storage areas. Four dented cans containing various foods were also found stored alongside undamaged canned goods. Interviews with the Dietary Manager and a Dietary Aide revealed that both were unaware of the presence of expired, unsealed, and dented food items in the kitchen. Both staff members acknowledged that all kitchen staff were responsible for ensuring food items were properly sealed, labeled, and checked for expiration dates. The Dietary Manager stated that dented cans should be separated from other canned foods and placed in a designated area, and that all food items should be stored according to the facility's policy, which includes labeling, dating, sealing, and using the FIFO (First In, First Out) method. The Dietary Aide confirmed similar expectations and procedures based on regular in-service training. A review of the facility's food storage policy and relevant FDA codes confirmed that all food should be stored in tightly covered, labeled, and dated containers, with expired items discarded and dented cans separated. The observed deficiencies in food storage practices, including the presence of unsealed, expired, and dented food items, were not in compliance with these standards and procedures. No specific residents or patient medical histories were mentioned in relation to the deficiency.