Improper Food Storage and Labeling Practices Identified
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store food in a manner that prevents foodborne illness, as evidenced by multiple observations of improper food storage and labeling practices. In the kitchen's refrigerator/freezer, uncooked beef patties were stored directly above a box of popsicles, creating a risk of cross-contamination. In the standing refrigerator, a tub of sour cream was found with a past Best By date, and several containers of prepared foods, including hamburger patties, banana pudding, chocolate pudding, and tuna, were either not labeled or lacked discard dates. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that discard dates were not written on some labels. Additionally, in the dry storage room refrigerator, a package of turkey was found with a future Use By date, but the report does not specify if this was an issue. A resident's personal refrigerator contained expired items, including a carton of milk and two protein shakes, as well as a Styrofoam container with a meal ticket dated well before the inspection. The resident stated that staff do not have time to clean out her refrigerator. The facility's policy requires all foods to be covered, labeled, and dated with an expiration or use-by date, and for storage areas to be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner. The administrator confirmed that dietary staff are expected to follow food service policies.