Failure to Date Prepared Food Items in Kitchen Storage
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to properly date two trays of prepared and poured glasses of beverages stored in the walk-in refrigerator, as well as a tray containing six prepared bowls of cereal in the dry storage area. These items were not labeled with the date they were prepared or a use-by date, as required by facility policy and professional food safety standards. During interviews, the Dietary Manager (DM) and another staff member confirmed that all open or prepared items stored in the kitchen's walk-in refrigerator and dry storage should be labeled with both the date prepared and the use-by date, and that staff are responsible for ensuring this is done. Record review of the facility's food storage policy and the FDA Food Code confirmed the requirement for date marking of ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety foods. The lack of date labeling on these food items could result in the use of old or expired products, as acknowledged by staff during interviews. No specific residents or patient medical histories were mentioned in the report, and the deficiency was identified through direct observation and staff interviews.