Failure to Maintain Food Safety Standards in Kitchen Storage and Handling
Penalty
Summary
During an observation and staff interview, the facility failed to store food and maintain food quality in accordance with professional standards for food safety. Specifically, refrigerator #1 in the kitchen contained 11 tomatoes with visible white biological growth, indicating spoilage. Additionally, three bottles of dry seasonings were found on the spice rack with their lids open, leaving the contents exposed. The Kitchen Supervisor acknowledged both the presence of overly ripe produce and the opened spice bottles, stating responsibility for maintaining safety and quality standards in the kitchen. The Administrator also acknowledged these issues and confirmed that the Kitchen Supervisor is expected to perform regular checks on food quality and standards. No information about residents or their medical conditions was provided in relation to this deficiency.