Failure to Ensure Safe Storage and Labeling of Resident Food Items
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety, as evidenced by observations in the resident food and snack pantry refrigerator. During an inspection, surveyors found 15 containers of food with various safety concerns, including expired items, unlabeled or improperly labeled foods, and visibly spoiled or malodorous contents. Specific examples included yogurt and fruit with past-due manufacturer dates, facility-made foods without discard dates, unmarked containers with spoiled contents, and leftovers from outside sources lacking proper labeling or dating. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness and adherence to food safety protocols. A CNA stated she was unaware of labeling practices and could not confirm the safety of the foods present, noting that some items appeared unsafe and would be reported to nursing staff. The Food Service Manager (FSM) was initially unaware of the existence of the resident snack pantry and its refrigerator, and only upon notification did he recognize his responsibility for food safety in that area. The FSM outlined expectations for labeling and discarding food, but these were not being followed at the time of the survey. A review of the facility's policy on date marking for food safety indicated that perishable foods should be held at 41°F or less, clearly marked with preparation and discard dates, and discarded within specified timeframes. The policy also assigned responsibility for daily and weekly checks to specific staff members. However, these procedures were not being implemented in the resident snack pantry, resulting in the presence of expired, spoiled, and improperly stored foods accessible to residents.