Failure to Properly Label, Date, and Cover Food Items in Kitchen Refrigerator
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple food items in the facility's walk-in refrigerator that were not properly labeled, dated, or covered. Specific items included a plastic container with sausage, a container with red sauce, bags containing cooked brownies, bread slices with butter, cooked cornbread, Danish bread, a used block of cheese, cooked meat slices, and grated cheese. These items were found without appropriate labeling, dating, or covering, contrary to professional standards and facility policy. Staff interviews confirmed that all kitchen staff, including cooks, dietary aides, and the dietary manager, were responsible for ensuring food items were labeled, dated, and covered, and that failure to do so could result in cross contamination and potential illness. Review of facility policy and the FDA Food Code indicated that leftover and ready-to-eat foods must be stored in covered containers, clearly labeled and dated, and used within specified timeframes. The deficiency was identified through direct observation and staff interviews, which revealed that the required procedures for food storage were not consistently followed in the facility's only kitchen. No information was provided about specific residents affected or their medical conditions at the time of the deficiency.