Improper Food Storage and Unsanitary Food Preparation Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to follow safe and sanitary food storage and preparation practices in the kitchen. Specifically, boxed food items, including rice, non-dairy creamer packets, parsley, mayonnaise, and salt, were found stored directly on the floor in the dry storage room. Additionally, a dispensing scoop was stored inside a clear storage container of salt. These practices were observed during a concurrent interview and observation with a kitchen staff member, who confirmed that the items should have been stored at least six inches off the floor and that the scoop should not be kept inside the salt container due to sanitation concerns. Further interviews with the dietary supervisor revealed that the food items were left on the floor after cleaning other portions of the dry storage area. The dietary supervisor also acknowledged that facility policy requires food to be stored six inches off the floor and that scoops should not be left inside food containers for infection control purposes. A review of the facility's policy and procedure on food storage and handling confirmed these requirements.