Failure to Label and Date Food Items in Refrigerator
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that a carton of orange juice, four cartons of apple juice, and a paper cup wrapped in plastic were stored inside the pantry refrigerator without expiration dates, use by dates, or labels. During an interview conducted at the time of observation, the Registered Dietitian confirmed that all food stored in the refrigerator should be labeled with expiration or use by dates. Review of the facility's policy indicated that all food items must be covered, labeled, and dated, and that foods past their use by, sell by, or best by dates should be discarded. Additionally, CMS guidance requires staff to inspect, properly store, and label all food and beverages upon receipt and during storage. The lack of labeling and dating on these items constituted a failure to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety.