Deficient Food Storage and Sanitation Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the facility's food storage and sanitation practices. In the kitchen refrigerator, food storage shelves were found to be dirty and covered in debris, with spots of a blackish green substance present. Several milk cartons were stored in a plastic tub containing water, but no ice, which is not in accordance with proper food storage practices. In the dry storage area, a large plastic container of dry cereal was left uncovered on a roll cart, and the surrounding area, including the floor, was dirty and covered in debris. Several plastic bowls containing dry cereal were also found on the cart without labels or dates. The Dietary Manager confirmed these observations during the survey. Additionally, a resident's personal refrigerator was found to have spilled cranberry juice at the bottom, along with multiple dead, black bugs in the spilled liquid. This was verified by a Certified Nursing Assistant at the time of observation. Review of facility policies indicated that food storage areas should be neat, clean, and organized, with all foods stored in covered, labeled, and dated containers to prevent cross-contamination, and that all food preparation and service areas should be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. The observed conditions did not meet these standards.
Plan Of Correction
Facility Name: Majestic Care of Middletown Survey Date: 06/02/2025 Plan of Correction Tag: F0812 - Failure to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food under sanitary conditions. All residents potentially affected by the deficient practice were assessed by DNS/designees on 06/06/2025. No residents exhibited signs or symptoms of foodborne illness. The affected food storage and preparation areas were immediately cleaned and sanitized by the Regional Dietary Manager on 06/03/2025. All improperly stored food items were discarded. A facility-wide audit of all food storage, preparation, and service areas was conducted by the ED on 06/03/2025. No additional concerns were identified. Staff were interviewed and observed to ensure compliance with sanitary food handling practices. All dietary staff were educated on proper food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures per CMS and Ohio Department of Health guidelines by the Executive Director on 06/06/2025. The DON or designee will audit the resident refrigerators weekly to ensure that they are clean and there is no expired food. The dietary manager, Executive Director/designee will conduct random weekly audits of food storage and preparation areas. The Dietary Manager or Executive Director will complete weekly sanitation audits for 4 weeks. Results will be reviewed during the facility's Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) meetings. The DON or designee will audit the resident refrigerators three times a week for 4 weeks to ensure they are clean and contain no expired food. Any issues identified will be addressed immediately with appropriate corrective action. The facility alleges compliance date: July 10, 2025.