Deficient Food Storage and Unsanitary Meal Distribution
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified several deficiencies related to food storage, preparation, and distribution within the facility. During a kitchen tour, an opened box of powdered non-dairy creamer packets was found with a 'best use by' date that had already passed, and the Dietary Manager was unsure if the product was still safe to use. Additionally, a large box of bananas was stored on a bottom shelf next to a sanitation bucket containing cleaning solution, contrary to the facility's policy that prohibits storing food near chemicals. The facility's own policy also requires that all out-dated goods be discarded the day after expiration, which was not followed in this instance. Further observations revealed that staff distributed lunch trays to residents' rooms with uncovered food items, such as mandarin oranges in dessert bowls and juice in plastic cups, leaving them exposed to potential contaminants. Both the Dietary Manager and the Regional Director of Operations confirmed that food items should be covered during distribution to prevent contamination, and the Director of Nursing stated that staff are expected to distribute meal trays in a sanitary manner with all food items covered. These actions and inactions resulted in food being stored, prepared, and served in a manner not consistent with professional standards and facility policy.