Deficient Food Storage and Meal Tray Distribution Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to store food under sanitary conditions in both the 200 and 300 unit refrigerators. The 200 unit refrigerator/freezer lacked a temperature log for the freezer, contained unlabeled frozen meals and beverages, and had visible dried liquid stains inside. Food items were not labeled with resident names or use-by dates as required by facility policy, and some containers held unknown substances. The 300 unit refrigerator also contained outside food that was not dated, a lack of documented freezer temperatures for a two-week period, and several items that were either unlabeled or improperly labeled. One container held a moldy substance with spilled liquid, and there was no indication of ownership or discard date. Staff interviews revealed confusion over responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness and labeling of the unit refrigerators, with dietary and nursing staff each indicating the other was responsible. Additionally, on the 300 unit, a Certified Nursing Assistant delivered two lunch trays at once to a shared resident room, resulting in the trays being given to the wrong residents. Both residents immediately called for staff to correct the error. The CNA acknowledged that trays were supposed to be delivered one at a time to prevent such mistakes, as delivering the wrong meal could pose a risk of injury or incorrect diet. The Director of Nursing confirmed the expectation that trays be delivered individually to ensure resident safety and infection prevention.