Failure to Properly Label and Store Food Items
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was stored under proper sanitary conditions in both the main kitchen and the Sitka unit, as observed during a survey. In the main kitchen, multiple opened containers of spices and other dry goods were found without open dates, despite being received as far back as 2019. Additionally, items in the resident/family refrigerator, such as an opened bottle of syrup and a half loaf of bread, were not labeled with open dates. The Food Service Supervisor confirmed that all containers should be labeled with both received and open dates, and that staff typically notify her when items appear close to empty, rather than following a systematic labeling process. In the Sitka unit's kitchenette, a half loaf of cinnamon raisin bread was found with torn packaging, exposing the bread, and had been opened several days prior. Review of facility policies revealed clear requirements for labeling and dating all food items, monitoring supply dates, and following USDA recommendations for food storage and shelf life. However, these policies were not followed, as evidenced by the lack of labeling and improper storage practices observed during the survey.