Failure to Label and Date Prepared Gelatin in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to follow proper food handling practices by not ensuring that clear storage cups of gelatin were labeled and dated according to the facility's policy. During an inspection of the kitchen refrigerator, open food items not in their original packaging were found in clear storage cups, with several cups either unlabeled or only marked with 'SF' for sugar free. The Dietary Supervisor confirmed that 35 cups had no label and 11 were labeled 'SF', and explained that the person preparing the gelatin is responsible for labeling. The facility's policy requires that any food item removed from its original container must be labeled with the specific name of the food and the date it was opened or prepared. This deficiency had the potential to affect 142 out of 148 residents who receive food from the facility's kitchen. The Dietary Supervisor acknowledged the importance of accurate labeling for resident safety and to ensure the correct identification of food items. A review of the facility's policy confirmed the requirement for labeling and dating prepared foods, which was not followed in this instance.