Expired and Unlabeled Food, Unclean Equipment in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper food safety practices in the kitchen, as evidenced by the presence of expired food items, lack of labeling on opened food packages, and unclean equipment. Observations revealed that several food items in the freezers and walk-in refrigerator, including sliced frozen salami, poppy seed coffee cake, thickened orange juice, thickened dairy beverage, and cottage cheese, were either not labeled with the date and time they were opened or were stored past their expiration dates. Additionally, a large industrial fan in the dish room was found to have a visible layer of dust on its outer cage. Interviews with staff indicated that multiple individuals were responsible for monitoring food storage and cleanliness, with expectations set for daily, weekly, and monthly checks according to facility policy and ServSafe guidelines. Despite these protocols and staff training, the deficiencies were observed during the survey, affecting the kitchen that served 167 residents. The facility's own policy required regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with food safety standards, but these were not effectively implemented, leading to the identified lapses.