Failure to Label and Date Food Items in Kitchen Refrigerator
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to properly label and date food items stored in the kitchen refrigerator. Specifically, salad greens in a metal container covered with plastic wrap, pasta noodles in a metal container covered with tinfoil, and a yellow, non-opaque liquid with chunks in a metal container covered with tinfoil were all found without labels indicating the date opened or discard by dates. During interviews, both the Dietary Manager and interim Administrator confirmed that all kitchen staff were responsible for labeling and dating food items, and acknowledged that the lack of labeling could result in staff not knowing when food had spoiled. Review of the U.S. Public Health Service Food Code confirmed that ready-to-eat foods must be discarded if not properly dated.