Failure to Follow Policy for Storage and Handling of Food Brought by Visitors
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow its own policies and procedures regarding the use and storage of food brought in by family members and visitors for residents. Observations and staff interviews revealed inconsistent practices and a lack of staff awareness about the facility's protocols for safe food handling of outside food. Specifically, staff provided conflicting information about where and how such food should be stored, with some indicating that food was kept in an unmonitored employee refrigerator, while others stated it was stored in a designated area in the kitchen. The employee refrigerator, which was not monitored for temperature or sanitation, was observed to have a temperature of 40 degrees F and visible rust on the freezer door. No resident food items were present in the refrigerator at the time of observation. Further interviews with nursing and dietary staff indicated a lack of training and documentation regarding the safe handling and storage of food from outside sources. Staff members were either unaware of the facility's policies or had not received specific training on the subject. The Director of Nursing and Dietary Services Supervisor were unable to provide evidence of any inservices or education provided to staff on this topic. These failures were identified through review of facility policies, staff interviews, and direct observation.