Failure to Label and Date Prepared Gelatin in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to follow proper food handling practices by not labeling and dating clear storage cups of gelatin according to the facility's policy. During an inspection of the kitchen refrigerator, open food items, specifically clear storage cups containing gelatin, were found without labels or dates. The Dietary Aide confirmed that 11 of these cups were not labeled, and identified them as sugar-free gelatin intended for residents with diabetes. The Director of Dietary Services also confirmed that these items should have been labeled with both the food description and the date of preparation or opening, as per facility policy. A review of the facility's policy and procedure on labeling and dating of foods indicated that all food items in storage, including prepared foods, must be covered, labeled, and dated. The failure to label and date the gelatin cups was a direct violation of this policy. This deficiency had the potential to affect 109 out of 116 residents who receive food from the facility's kitchen.