Failure to Label and Date Food Items in Kitchen Storage
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple instances of improper food storage and preparation practices in the facility's kitchen. Specifically, a box of Boost nutritional drink supplement with 19 remaining packs was found in the dry storage area without a date or label. In freezer #1, a box of chocolate fat free ice cream with 26 cups and a box of honey wheat roll dough were both stored without any date or label. Additionally, in refrigerator #1, a box of liquid whole eggs pasteurized with 11 remaining packs was also found without a date or label. Dietary staff interviewed during these observations confirmed that all food items should be labeled with the delivery date, the date opened, and the best buy date, in accordance with facility policy. The Dietary Service Supervisor acknowledged that the lack of labeling and dating made it impossible to track when food items were opened or when they should be discarded. The facility's policy and procedure on labeling and dating of foods requires that all food items be labeled with the received date upon delivery, the open date once opened, and a use by date. These deficiencies were identified during concurrent observations and interviews, and the practices observed were not in compliance with the facility's stated standards.