Deficiencies in Food Labeling, Ice Machine Sanitation, and Kitchen Hood Cleanliness
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified several deficiencies in the facility's food service operations. During a kitchen tour, multiple food items stored in the freezer, including diced potatoes, hamburger patties, chicken thighs, and potato tarts, were found without opened or use-by dates, contrary to facility policy. Interviews with the Dietary Director (DD) and Registered Dietitian (RD) confirmed that labeling was required to ensure proper food rotation and prevent the use of expired items. The DD acknowledged that cooks were responsible for labeling and that staff had been trained on this process, but could not explain why the items were not labeled at the time of inspection. Additionally, the ice machine was observed to have a black substance in the upper corner next to the ice guard, indicating inadequate cleaning. The DD stated that all staff were responsible for weekly cleaning, with maintenance scheduled to clean the machine quarterly, but admitted that cleaning had not been performed as required. The stove hood and bulbs were also found to be dirty, with a grease-like substance dripping from the hood and covering the bulbs. The DD attributed this to missed monthly cleaning and identified the nighttime dishwasher as responsible for this task. These failures in food storage, equipment cleaning, and kitchen sanitation had the potential to affect all residents receiving meals from the kitchen.