Expired Nutritional Shakes Not Discarded Promptly
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to discard protein drinks that were past their use by date in two out of three unit-based kitchens observed during a recertification/complaint survey. During a tour of the Eastern Shore nursing unit kitchen, two 4-ounce cartons of vanilla reduced sugar Mighty Shake with a use by date of 5/30/25 were found in the refrigerator, and the staff member present stated she would take care of it but appeared to return them to the refrigerator. In the Baltimore nursing unit kitchen, one 4-ounce carton of the same product, also past its use by date, was found and immediately discarded by the staff member present. The Dietary Manager was informed of these findings and confirmed that the expired Mighty Shakes had been discarded after the surveyor's notification. No information about specific residents, their medical history, or their condition at the time of the deficiency was provided in the report.