Failure to Adhere to Food Storage and Labeling Policy for Resident Food Brought by Visitors
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to follow the established policy and procedure regarding the storage and labeling of foods brought in by family and visitors for residents. During an inspection of the resident refrigerator, an Infection Preventionist observed an unlabeled and undated plastic bag containing a partially browned head of lettuce and two half-eaten sandwiches in plastic containers, also unlabeled and undated. The Infection Preventionist confirmed that these items should have been labeled with the resident's name and date, as per facility policy. When questioned, the Infection Preventionist was unable to determine how long the items had been in the refrigerator, though stated that the facility practice was to clean out the refrigerator weekly. Review of the facility's policy indicated that perishable foods must be stored in resealable containers with tightly fitting lids, labeled with the resident's name, item, and use-by date, and that staff are responsible for discarding foods showing signs of potential foodborne danger.