Failure to Properly Store, Label, and Monitor Food and Equipment in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store food and utilize kitchen equipment in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. Observations in the dry storage area revealed multiple open bags of pasta, powdered sugar, and candy topping that were not labeled or dated as required by facility policy. In the walk-in refrigerator, several food items including vegan cheese, mozzarella cheese, turkey breast, spinach, parsley, broccoli, sour cream, and whipped cream were found either open, not properly sealed, or lacking required labeling and dating. The walk-in freezer also contained undated and improperly sealed food items such as zucchini fries, waffles, and hot dogs. Additionally, the main kitchen was found to have a blank temperature log from a previous month posted above the three-compartment sink, and the sanitizer solution used for cleaning was tested with expired test strips. Interviews with the Food Service Director confirmed that sanitizer concentration logs had not been maintained since July, and that labeling and dating practices were not being followed as per facility policy. The Nursing Home Administrator also acknowledged the expectation for compliance with these standards.