Improper Food Storage and Ice Machine Sanitation
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure proper storage and labeling of food items in a resident freezer, as well as the cleanliness of ice machines. In the Alpine Resident freezer, undated lemon ices, a frozen yogurt, and a frozen entrée meal were found without resident names or dates. Additionally, a therapy ice pack wrapped in a pillowcase was stored on the top shelf of the freezer, which staff acknowledged should not have been present and resulted in contamination of the food items. The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) was unaware that non-food items were being stored in the resident freezer, despite a policy in place regarding food storage. Further observations revealed that ice machines in both the kitchen and the Alpine ice room had a dark residue on the interior portion of the white plastic ice separator. Both the Registered Dietitian (RD) and a Registered Nurse (RN) confirmed the presence of the residue and stated that the machines are supposed to be cleaned regularly, but were unsure of the last cleaning date. These findings indicate lapses in food safety practices, including improper food labeling, storage of non-food items with food, and inadequate cleaning of food-contact equipment.