Deficiencies in Food Safety and Insulin Administration Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure safe food handling and preparation when, during meal service, a dietary aide discovered metal can lids at the bottom of two separate pans of cooked apple crisp dessert. The aide, while plating the dessert, found a metal can lid in the first pan and discarded both the lid and the dessert, including any portions already plated. The same issue occurred with a second pan, resulting in the disposal of another lid and the dessert. Interviews with the dietary manager and cook confirmed that the apple crisp was prepared using canned ingredients, and the process involved removing the can lid and transferring the contents to a bowl. The administrator acknowledged that cooks are expected to check for foreign objects in food before serving. Additionally, the facility did not follow proper infection control practices during medication administration. An LPN was observed administering insulin without disinfecting the top of the insulin syringe with an alcohol wipe, contrary to both facility policy and manufacturer instructions. The LPN admitted to skipping this step due to haste. The incident was observed and confirmed by the Director of Nursing, who acknowledged the lapse in protocol.