Deficiencies in Food Storage, Preparation, and Service
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in food storage, preparation, and service within the facility's dietary department. During an initial tour, nine plate cover lids and two metal bowls were found stored upright with water collected at the bottom, indicating they were stacked while still wet. Both the Dietary Manager and Registered Dietician confirmed that these items should have been air dried before storage to prevent bacterial growth, as required by FDA Food Code standards. Additionally, two plastic cups with visible white film buildup were found on a shelf, and both the Dietary Manager and Registered Dietician acknowledged that these cups were not clean to sight and touch, which is a violation of food safety standards. Further inspection revealed that both freezers in the kitchen were missing thermometers, which are necessary to monitor and ensure safe food storage temperatures. The Dietary Manager confirmed the absence of thermometers and acknowledged that staff would not be able to verify if food was being stored at safe temperatures. Open food items, including frozen waffles, corn, spices, and a box of cream of wheat, were also found without use-by dates, contrary to facility policy and food safety guidelines. The Registered Dietician confirmed that the lack of labeling could result in food being stored for excessive periods without proper tracking. During meal distribution, it was observed that meal trays with desserts were not covered while being transported to residents' rooms. The delivery cart used had plastic bags covering only three sides, and staff had rolled up the coverings, leaving the desserts exposed. The Registered Dietician confirmed that food items should be covered during transport to prevent contamination. These combined failures in food handling, storage, and distribution practices increased the potential for foodborne illness among the facility's residents.
Plan Of Correction
Plan of Correction completion date: 6.30.25 F 812