Deficient Food Storage and Sanitation Practices in Dietary Department
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain acceptable practices for the storage and service of food, which increased the risk of food-borne illness in the food and nutrition services department. During an initial tour of the dietary department, surveyors observed that the handwashing area lacked a trash can for disposing of paper towels after handwashing. In the freezer, four bags of frozen vegetables and one bag of tater tots were found on the shelf without any date markings. In the dry storage room, the exit door to the outside could not close properly because the metal locking latch was folded back in the door jam, and the floor area in front of the door was worn, soiled, and had cracked floor tiles. Additionally, a six-inch piece of floor molding was missing from the wall near the exit door. Further observation in the janitor closet within the dietary department revealed a sink containing a plastic bin filled with microfiber cloths, aprons, and a container of cleaning wipes. The food service director confirmed at the time of the observations that the dietary department should be maintained in a sanitary manner, and that all food items should be properly dated to ensure safety and quality. These findings indicate that the facility did not follow acceptable practices for food storage and sanitation, as required by professional standards and state regulations.