Failure to Discard Potentially Hazardous Foods Stored Above Safe Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that the facility failed to ensure potentially hazardous foods were stored, prepared, and served in accordance with professional food safety standards. On Unit 1, the dairy refrigerator was observed to be above the required temperature, with readings of 45 F and later 56 F, while containing multiple items such as milk cartons, sandwiches, and cheese. Despite the facility's policy requiring immediate disposal of potentially hazardous foods found outside safe temperature ranges, these items were not discarded. The Food Service Director acknowledged the temperature issue and stated that a technician was contacted, but the items remained in the refrigerator and were served to residents. A milk carton tested at 47.6 F was also served for lunch. The Food Service Director believed the items had not been exposed to unsafe temperatures for over two hours and therefore did not dispose of them. The Administrator was aware of the temperature issue but was uncertain whether the problem was with the refrigerator or the temperature gauge and was unaware that the milk had been tested above 40 F. The Administrator also did not know if the items had been immediately disposed of after the temperature deviation. The facility's actions did not align with their policy or professional standards for food safety, as potentially hazardous foods were not promptly discarded after being stored at unsafe temperatures.