Improper Food Labeling, Storage, and Sanitation in Unit Refrigerators
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure that foods stored in unit refrigerators were properly labeled, dated, and discarded when expired, and that the refrigerators were maintained in a clean condition. During an inspection with the Dietary Manager, multiple expired and undated food items were found in nourishment refrigerators on the second, third, and fourth floors, including expired milk, soy sauce, hot sauce, potato salad, apples, yogurt, and a frozen entrée. Additionally, several food items lacked labels or dates, and there were visible spills and stains inside the refrigerators. The base of one refrigerator was stained with an unidentifiable pink substance, and another contained a red sticky substance and crumbs. Interviews with the Dietary Manager confirmed that foods should be labeled, dated, and discarded when expired, in accordance with facility policy. The Administrator and Quality Assurance RN acknowledged that housekeeping staff were responsible for cleaning the unit refrigerators every three days, but were made aware of the unsanitary conditions and expired foods during the survey. Facility policies reviewed indicated that all food items brought in by families or visitors must be labeled and dated, and prepared foods should be consumed within three days or discarded. The deficiency had the potential to affect 108 residents receiving meals from the kitchen, with three residents identified as NPO at the time of the survey.