Failure to Properly Store and Label Food Items
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety, as evidenced by multiple instances of improper food storage and labeling. During a review of facility policies, it was noted that opened food items are required to be dated and stored properly, with specific instructions for dry, refrigerated, and frozen foods. However, observations in the kitchen and nourishment pantries revealed several opened food items, such as thickened liquids, spaghetti, pancake syrup, frozen green beans, chicken pot pie mix, bread, coffee, ice cream, relish, ranch dressing, and nutritional supplements, that were either not sealed, not labeled, or lacked use-by dates. Staff interviews confirmed that these items were not managed according to the facility's own policies, with some items being immediately discarded upon discovery. The deficiency was identified through record review, staff interviews, and direct observation, and it was confirmed by both the Regional Dietary Manager and LPNs responsible for monitoring food storage. The facility census at the time was 102, and the improper storage practices had the potential to affect more than a limited number of residents. No specific residents were identified as being directly affected at the time of the survey, and there were no details provided regarding the medical history or condition of any residents in relation to the deficiency.