Failure to Label and Date Prepared Juices and Opened Containers
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to store food and beverages in a sanitary manner, specifically by not labeling prepared juices and opened containers with the required dates. During an initial kitchen visit, multiple glasses of cranberry juice, apple juice, milk, and orange juice were found in the walk-in refrigerator without a prepared-on date. Additionally, a large container of juice in a resident's refrigerator was found without an opened-on date. These observations were made in the presence of the Dietary Supervisor (DS). In an interview, the DS confirmed that it is the dietary staff's responsibility to label all foods and drinks with prepared-on and opened-on dates, as per facility policy. The DS stated that juices are to be discarded after 72 hours to prevent them from becoming hazardous. A review of the facility's policy and procedure on food storage and handling, revised on 2/9/2024, indicated that all food items must be labeled and dated. The failure to follow these procedures was identified for food prepared and served to 81 residents.