Failure to Follow Safe Food Storage and Handling Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to adhere to safe food storage and handling practices as outlined in their own policy and professional standards. Specifically, expired bakery sausage rolls were found in the dry goods storage room, and the Dietary Manager was unable to confirm when these expired items had last been served. In the freezer, several food items, including breaded okra, biscuits, and chicken tenders, were found open, not properly repackaged, and lacking required labeling and dating. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that dietary aides routinely returned opened food packages to storage without proper labeling or dating. Additionally, a one-gallon container of opened lemon juice was stored on a shelf rather than being refrigerated, contrary to manufacturer instructions. The Dietary Manager confirmed that the juice was not stored according to guidelines. The Administrator stated that the Dietary department was newly staffed, including the Dietary Manager, who was still learning the position and job responsibilities.