Failure to Properly Store, Seal, and Date Food Items
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to properly store, seal, and date food items in both the dry storage room and refrigerator. Specifically, an open bag of powdered milk, an open container of rice, and an open container of elbow macaroni were found in the dry storage room. In the refrigerator, a bowl of watermelon, cheese slices, and butter sticks were found open and without dates. These observations were made during an initial tour of the kitchen. Interviews with the Dietary Manager (DM) and Administrator (ADM) confirmed that all food placed in the pantry and refrigerator should be sealed and dated, and that staff had been trained on these procedures. The DM and ADM acknowledged that the observed food items were not stored according to facility policy, which requires all opened containers or leftover food to be tightly wrapped or covered, labeled, and dated. The facility's own policy was reviewed and reflected these requirements.