Deficient Food Storage and Sanitation Practices in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in food storage and sanitation practices within the facility's kitchen. A three-tiered cart was found sticky with an unknown substance and food debris, yet clean food storage containers were placed on it. Two dietary employees were seen preparing for lunch without wearing hair nets, and a spill of a white sticky substance with aluminum foil stuck to it was present in the reach-in freezer. Opened, undated, and unsealed bags of stuffing and Oreo pieces were found, and a bag of brown, decaying celery was stored in the refrigerator. Additionally, a food storage container of cream of mushroom soup was labeled without a date, and raw chicken breast was stored above pasteurized eggs, not on the bottom shelf as required. Staff were also observed not washing hands with soap and water before donning gloves after handling raw chicken, and an employee entered the kitchen from the outdoor dumpster area without washing hands or putting on a hairnet. Interviews with staff confirmed a lack of adherence to food safety protocols. The cook admitted there was no process for labeling opened foods and acknowledged improper storage of raw chicken. The dietary manager confirmed that employees were required to wear hairnets at all times, label and date all food items, and wash hands upon entering the kitchen and between tasks, but these practices were not being followed. The administrator stated an expectation for staff to follow food safety guidelines and facility policies, but the observed actions and staff statements indicated these standards were not maintained.