Improper Food and Utensil Storage and Handling
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to store food and utensils in a safe and sanitary manner, as observed during multiple kitchen inspections. Frozen bags of pot roast were found thawing in water in the preparation sink without running cold water, contrary to facility policy which requires food to be submerged under running cold water during thawing. Additionally, a stack of Styrofoam cups was stored on a cart in the dining room next to a bucket of sanitizer solution and a spray bottle of heavy-duty cleaner, instead of being stored separately as required by policy. The Dietary Manager confirmed these practices did not align with facility procedures. Further observations revealed a stack of wet cups stored on the tray line, rather than being air dried on a rack near the three-compartment sink as specified by facility policy. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that cups should be air dried before being stacked or used for service. These deficiencies had the potential to affect 61 out of 62 residents, as only one resident was identified as NPO and did not receive food from the kitchen.