Failure to Properly Label, Date, and Discard Food Items in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the facility's kitchen regarding the storage, labeling, and dating of food items. Specifically, chicken gravy and two glasses of milk stored in the walk-in refrigerator were not labeled or dated, and cherry gelatin in the dry storage area was also found without a label or date. Additionally, cooked beef chili in the refrigerator was not labeled with an expiration date, and a bottle of apple juice thickener remained in dry storage past its best used by date. These issues were identified during a kitchen observation and confirmed through interviews with dietary staff and the administrator, who acknowledged that all opened or prepared foods should be labeled and dated according to facility policy and professional standards. Record review of the facility's Nutrition Services policy and the FDA Food Code confirmed that food items must be labeled with the date they are opened or prepared and discarded by the appropriate date to minimize contamination and bacterial growth. The dietary manager and tray aide both stated that it was their responsibility to ensure proper labeling and dating of food items, and recognized that failure to do so could result in expired or unsafe food being served. The administrator also acknowledged the risks associated with improper food storage practices.