Deficient Food Storage and Labeling Practices in Dietary Department
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified multiple deficiencies in the facility's Dietary Department related to improper food storage and labeling practices. During a tour, it was observed that several opened food items, including a large bag of Ciabatta Garlic bread sticks, multiple freezer bags of chicken wings, and a bag of coconut, were not labeled or dated when opened. Additionally, a package of powdered gravy mix was found opened, dated, but not sealed, and individual oatmeal packages were removed from their original box without expiration dates noted. The Dietary Director confirmed that all opened food should be labeled and dated, and that cooks were responsible for this task. The Director also acknowledged that expired food should be discarded and stated she would not use the unsealed gravy mix. Further observations during the tray line revealed a container of orange juice that was past its expiration date present on the beverage cart, though it was not used. The Dietary Director stated that expired items should be discarded and that all dietary staff were responsible for this process. Review of the facility's policy confirmed requirements for labeling, dating, and discarding expired or improperly stored food. The findings indicate a failure to consistently follow these procedures, resulting in the presence of unlabeled, undated, and expired food items in storage and on the tray line.