Failure to Maintain Sanitary Food Storage and Handling Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures to follow sanitary dietary standards in the facility's kitchen and dining areas. During a walkthrough, 13 uncovered cups of chocolate ice cream were found open to the air in the reach-in freezer, and these cups were both unlabeled and undated. Additionally, an opened chocolate pie was found in the refrigerator without a label or date. In the plate and utensil storage area, stacked bowls were stored in a plastic bin facing upward, and clean plates on food carts were also stored facing upwards. The open kitchenette in the main entry area had stains and old food debris inside the refrigerator and microwave, and the kitchenette freezer contained open, unlabeled, and undated food items. Dietary staff confirmed that facility policy required all food items to be labeled and dated before storage and that utensils and plates should be stored facing downward to prevent cross-contamination. The facility's Food Preparation and Service policy, revised in December 2024, specified that food service employees must handle food and equipment in compliance with safe handling practices, including proper labeling, dating, and sanitary storage. These observed practices were not in accordance with the facility's policy and professional standards, resulting in a deficiency related to food and equipment storage.