Failure to Properly Label and Date Food Items in Kitchen and Storage Areas
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple instances where food items in the facility's kitchen and storage areas were not labeled or dated according to professional standards and the facility's own Food Storage policy. Specifically, an open box of individually wrapped dark chocolate cocoa mix packets in the dry storage area was found without an open date or use-by date. Additionally, a plastic container of lentils with a partially opened lid was not labeled to identify its contents or indicate a use-by date. In the walk-in refrigerator, several metal trays on a multi-rack were found with food items, some of which lacked labels, preparation dates, or use-by dates. A bag of carrots with a large tear at the top was also found unsealed, unlabeled, and without a use-by date. During interviews conducted at the time of observation, the Dietary Director (DD) acknowledged that these items should have been properly labeled and dated, and that failure to do so increases the risk of product misidentification and use of expired items. The DD also stated that not sealing, labeling, and dating food items could compromise food safety and quality. Review of the facility's Food Storage policy confirmed that all stored food must be labeled with the product name, date opened or prepared, and use-by date. These findings demonstrate noncompliance with food storage, preparation, and distribution standards.