Deficiencies in Food Storage, Labeling, Hygiene, and Kitchen Cleanliness
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the facility's Dietary Department related to food storage, labeling, and hygiene practices. During initial and follow-up tours, several food items in the walk-in cooler, dry storage room, and walk-in freezer were found to be improperly stored, including opened bags of parsley, ham, cheese, margarine, taco seasoning, chicken breast strips, and breadsticks that were not sealed or dated as required. Some food items were also found to be expired, such as boxes of thickened sweetened tea and honey mustard dressing, and were not disposed of in a timely manner. Additionally, certain food products, including bread and croissants, were not stored according to the manufacturer's instructions, with items labeled for frozen storage being kept in the cooler or at room temperature instead. Dietary staff were observed not adhering to professional standards for personal hygiene. Two staff members, including the Dietary Manager and a Dietary Aide, were seen working in food preparation areas without proper beard restraints, and the hairnet worn by the Dietary Manager did not fully cover all hair. On a subsequent observation, the Dietary Manager was seen with his beard restraint positioned incorrectly, exposing facial hair while assisting with the tray line. The Regional Director of Dietary Services confirmed that all hair, including facial hair, should be covered while working in the Dietary Department. The cleanliness of kitchen equipment was also found to be lacking. The deep fat fryer and stove/oven had visible, sticky, dark brown grease build-up on their surfaces, indicating that cleaning schedules were not being followed. The Regional Director of Dietary Services acknowledged that these issues should have been addressed through routine cleaning and daily rounds. The facility's Administrator was informed of these findings during an interview.