Improper Food Storage and Labeling Practices Identified
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple instances of improper food storage and preparation within the facility. In the walk-in refrigerator, nine cabbages were found with a grayish substance growing on them, indicating spoilage, and a bag of broccoli was present past its labeled 'best if used by' date. Additionally, a bag of shredded cheese was found with an open date but no use-by date, and an opened container of buttermilk ranch dressing was labeled only with a received date, lacking both an open and use-by date. In the walk-in freezer, a container of prepared spaghetti sauce was found with a preparation date but no use-by date, and it had been stored beyond the time frame staff indicated was appropriate for use. Further inspection of the nutrition room refrigerator on the nursing unit revealed a carton of thickened orange juice with a use-by date that had already passed. Staff confirmed that expired and improperly labeled food items were present and acknowledged that dietary staff were responsible for managing these items. These findings demonstrate that the facility failed to consistently follow professional standards for labeling, dating, rotating, and disposing of perishable food items.