Failure to Properly Store, Label, and Discard Expired Food Items
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to properly store, label, and discard food items in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. Specifically, a ham that had expired and was stored in a freezer bag with ice particles was not discarded, and an opened bag of rolls in the freezer was found unsealed and without a label. These issues were identified during a kitchen inspection, where it was noted that the ham was not in its original packaging and the rolls were not properly sealed or dated. Interviews with dietary staff and the dietary manager revealed a lack of awareness regarding the expired ham and improperly stored rolls. Staff stated that it was their responsibility to check for and discard expired or unlabeled food items, and that food should be labeled and dated when received. The facility's policy and FDA guidelines require proper labeling and storage of food to prevent spoilage and contamination, but these procedures were not followed in this instance.