Deficient Food Storage, Equipment Maintenance, and Meal Tray Accuracy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly store food items at appropriate temperatures, maintain functional kitchen equipment, and ensure dry food items were stored in suitable containers. During a kitchen tour, a walk-in refrigerator was found at 42°F, while another refrigerator used for juice and milk was within acceptable range. However, a third refrigerator labeled 'Back Room' was found at 51°F, with its contents, including applesauce, grape jelly, soy sauce, mayonnaise, and iced tea, warm to the touch and not in compliance with food safety storage procedures. A fourth refrigerator was unplugged and used to store dry goods, such as pasta and bread, at 65°F, indicating it was not operational. Additionally, the kitchen's ice machine was not working, and the facility was relying on other units to provide ice for residents' meals. The dietary manager was unaware of the non-functional refrigerator, and temperature logs did not match actual readings. The facility also failed to ensure that residents' meal trays matched the items listed on their meal tickets. During meal service, two residents did not receive the correct items as specified: one resident was missing coffee, sugar packets, milk, and condiments, while another received skim milk instead of whole milk and was missing coffee. A geriatric nursing assistant acknowledged the discrepancies after being shown the trays and stated that it was their responsibility to verify tray accuracy. Both the administrator and director of nursing were made aware of these observations.