Failure to Properly Store and Label Food Items in Kitchen and Storage Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly store and label food items in the kitchen and storage areas, as observed during a survey. Specifically, Corn Flakes cereal was found not in its original box and labeled with a date from two years prior, Bran Raisin packages were opened without an opened date, and oatmeal was in its original packaging but lacked an opened date. Additionally, opened food items in the freezer were not labeled with an opened date. The Dietary staff member on duty, who had only recently started working at the facility, confirmed that food packaging had not been thoroughly checked for use-by or opened dates since his employment began. He also acknowledged that it was facility policy to label food immediately after opening due to shelf life considerations. Interviews with the Dietary staff and the DON/Infection Preventionist confirmed that opened food items should be labeled and dated according to facility policy to ensure food safety and prevent serving expired food. Review of the facility's policies and procedures further supported the requirement for labeling and dating opened dry goods and other food items, specifying maximum storage periods and the need for proper inspection and storage of food deliveries. The failure to follow these procedures was observed for all sampled residents' nourishment, indicating a systemic issue in food storage and labeling practices.