Deficient Food Storage, Labeling, and Handling Practices Identified
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in food storage, labeling, and handling within the facility's kitchen, dry storage, reach-in cooler, and nourishment room. In the kitchen, bins containing white powder-like substances, as well as boxes of baking soda and cornstarch, were found opened, unlabeled, and undated. An opened bottle of lemon juice labeled for refrigeration was stored at room temperature and was also unlabeled and undated. The Dietary Manager confirmed these items should have been labeled, dated, and properly stored. In the reach-in cooler, an unopened bag of chopped cabbage with multiple brown spots and no expiration or best-by date was found, indicating spoilage. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that food showing signs of spoilage should be discarded and was unsure why the cabbage was present. In the dry storage room, several large bags and boxes of food, including flour, vegetable oil, corn cereal, and rice cereal, were stored directly on the floor. Additionally, a bin of undated graham crackers and a dented can of cream of chicken soup were found on the shelves. The Dietary Manager stated that food should not be stored on the floor, dented cans should be removed, and all items should be labeled and dated. In the nourishment room, an opened and undated box of nutritional supplement was found in the freezer. The Dietary Manager reported that nourishment refrigerators and freezers are cleaned daily but could not explain the presence of the undated supplement. The Administrator confirmed expectations for proper labeling, dating, and storage of all food items throughout the facility.