Deficient Food Storage, Sanitation, and Handling Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the facility's food storage, preparation, and service practices. During a kitchen tour, open bags of cake mix and instant mashed potatoes were found in the dry goods storage room without labels or dates indicating when they were opened. In the walk-in freezer, frozen french toast sticks and an opened bag of biscuits were also found without labels or dates. Additionally, the oven in the preparation area had visible food residue and splatter, indicating it was not maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. During lunch meal service, a dietary aide was seen handling a deli sandwich with bare hands, removing it from a sandwich bag and placing it on a plate for a resident, contrary to facility policy requiring glove use for food handling. Facility policies reviewed by surveyors specified that all open food items must be labeled with the opened date, expiration date, and food item name, and that gloves must be worn when handling food. These deficiencies had the potential to affect 68 out of 69 residents who received food from the kitchen, with one resident not affected due to being NPO (nothing by mouth).