Improper Food Storage and Labeling Practices Identified
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that a refrigerator used for resident snacks contained an unlabeled and undated sandwich, as well as a gallon of milk that was past its best-by date. A medication aide stated that she regularly checked the refrigerator and disposed of items two days after their labeled date, but was unsure why the sandwich was not labeled and acknowledged that the milk should have been discarded on or shortly after its best-by date. These findings indicate that food items were not consistently labeled, dated, or discarded in accordance with professional standards and facility policy. Additionally, in the kitchen's dry storage area, a large bin of breading was found with a scoop left inside the container. Both the food service manager and the dietician confirmed during interviews that the scoop should not have been left in the bin, and the dietician noted that this practice could risk bacteria growth. Facility policies reviewed stated that all food should be appropriately dated and stored to maintain safety and integrity, but these procedures were not followed in the instances observed.