Failure to Follow Food Safety Standards and Proper Food Labeling
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in food safety practices within the facility's kitchen and dining areas. The assistant dietary manager was seen working in the kitchen food preparation area without a beard cover, despite having facial hair, in violation of the Idaho Food Code requirements for hair restraints. When questioned, the assistant dietary manager stated he did not believe a beard cover was necessary due to the short length of his facial hair. Additionally, an opened bottle of red food coloring was found without a label indicating the date it was opened, and the assistant dietary manager acknowledged that food items should be labeled with both opened and use by dates, which was not being done. Further observations revealed that expired food items were available and being served to residents. A carafe of cranberry juice with a use by date that had already passed was being served in the Bistro dining room, and three containers of dry cereal with expired use by dates were accessible to residents in another dining area. When asked, both an RN and an LPN confirmed that food should not be used past its use by date. The expired cereal was subsequently removed after being brought to the attention of staff.