Failure to Properly Label and Discard Resident Food Items
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. During an observation in the kitchenette, one food container was found labeled with a resident's name but without a date, and another container was labeled with a resident's name, room number, and a date that was seven days old. When questioned, the Restorative Nurse Aide (RNA) stated that the process is to label food with the resident's name, date, and room number, and to discard it after three days. The RNA acknowledged the improper labeling and agreed that the food should be discarded. These findings were confirmed with an LPN and an RN present at the nurses station. Further interview with a kitchen staff member clarified that the kitchen is responsible for maintaining the nourishment refrigerators and food from the kitchen, while nursing staff are responsible for labeling and discarding food brought in from outside or saved after meals. The facility's policy requires outside food to be labeled with the resident's name, room number, and date, and stored in a designated refrigerator. However, the facility did not provide a policy specifying how long food items should be stored before being discarded.