Failure to Properly Date and Remove Food Items in Storage
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the facility's food storage and labeling practices. During an inspection of the refrigerator and freezer, a tray of individually poured orange and cranberry juices, as well as trays with open containers of fruit, were found without dates. A container of cooked ham remained in the refrigerator past its use-by date, and a container of cooked chicken with mushrooms lacked a use-by date. Additionally, several containers of cold breakfast cereals and bags of cooked fish and roast beef in the freezer were not labeled with use-by dates. Staff interviews confirmed that these items should have been labeled with open and best-by dates to ensure food safety. The Dietary Supervisor acknowledged awareness of the unlabeled and expired food items, stating that all opened food must be dated to ensure it is safe for consumption. Review of the facility's policy and procedure on food receiving and storage confirmed that all foods stored in the refrigerator or freezer must be covered, labeled, and dated with a use-by date. The observed failures to date and remove expired food items were not in accordance with the facility's established policies.