Deficient Food Storage and Sanitation Practices Identified
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies related to food storage and sanitation during two tours of the facility's kitchen and food service areas. On the first tour, a maintenance worker was seen in the kitchen without appropriate hair or face protection. The three-bay pot sink had two chemical hoses hanging into the sinks, and in the dry storage room, two containers of thickened water were found with best use dates that had already passed. In the walk-in refrigerator, a package of whipped topping was present without a thaw date, despite manufacturer instructions requiring use within two weeks of thawing. Additionally, in the walk-in freezer, a large open box of hamburger buns was stored directly on the floor, and a package of bread sticks was stored under the freezer compressor with visible ice buildup. On the following day, an open container of thickened water with an expired best use date was found on a beverage cart in a hallway, available for use. These findings were confirmed by the Food Service Director and the DON during interviews. The facility's own Food Storage policy required all foods to be covered, labeled, dated, and monitored for use by their expiration dates, which was not followed in these instances.