Deficient Food Storage, Equipment Cleanliness, and Sanitation in Dietary Services
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the facility's dietary services, including improper food storage, unclean equipment, and unsanitary practices. During kitchen tours, food items such as gravy, roast beef, opened cheese, and sliced sandwich meats were found in the refrigerator without labels or dates. Large bins containing sugar and flour had Styrofoam cups in direct contact with the food, rather than proper scoops. Additionally, dirty trays were stored on a rack in the prep area, and crumbs and scraps of paper were found on the floor. The oven's cooktop and sides were coated with thick grease and food debris, indicating a lack of regular cleaning. Interviews with dietary staff revealed a lack of awareness regarding the use of Styrofoam cups as scoops and confirmed that proper procedures for labeling, dating, and cleaning were not followed. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that staff should have labeled and dated food, that Styrofoam cups should not be used in dry food bins, and that the oven should have been cleaned. The facility was unable to provide a kitchen cleaning and service policy when requested by surveyors. These deficiencies had the potential to affect a significant number of residents who received meals prepared in the facility.