Expired Food and Inadequate Sanitation Practices Identified
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to dispose of expired food items and did not ensure proper labeling and dating of perishable foods in multiple cottages and the main storage room. Several food items, including coffee creamers, sliced cheese, ham, milk, prune juice cups, grape juice, chips, and fig newtons, were found to be expired or lacked open dates. Staff confirmed that expired items should be discarded and that all items should be dated, but these practices were not consistently followed. Additionally, staff reported the absence of dietary policies for food storage and handling, relying only on verbal instructions to follow Serve Safe guidance. Further observations revealed that dietary staff did not test the sanitizer water used for dishwashing, as there were no test strips available in any of the cottages. Staff stated that Ecolab managed the sanitizer units and checked them monthly, but no in-house testing was performed. Review of the facility's food safety policy indicated requirements for proper food handling, labeling, and dating, as well as the use of leftovers within three days, but these procedures were not being implemented as outlined.