Deficient Food Storage, Labeling, and Temperature Monitoring
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the facility's food storage, preparation, and labeling practices. During a kitchen tour, it was found that dishwashing machine temperatures were not checked or recorded before use, and several opened food items in both dry storage and refrigeration areas lacked required date labels. Specifically, opened containers of rice, Hollandaise sauce mix, milk, apple juice, and cheese were either missing opened dates or use-by dates. Additionally, a lunch test tray included meat loaf that was undercooked and measured at 88 degrees F, and milk served at 50 degrees F, both outside of safe temperature ranges. The dietary supervisor and registered dietitian acknowledged these lapses, noting that required checks and labeling had not been performed. Further inspection revealed additional unlabeled opened milk containers and resident food items in the refrigerator, such as homemade soup and a half sandwich, which were not properly dated. The DON confirmed that these items should have been labeled according to policy but were not. These findings demonstrate a pattern of non-compliance with food safety standards, specifically regarding date marking, temperature monitoring, and labeling of ready-to-eat and resident food items.