Failure to Properly Date, Label, and Dispose of Food Items
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple instances of improper food storage and handling in the facility's kitchen and walk-in refrigerator. Specifically, food items such as a slice of cake, a disposable container labeled as containing tomato slices, opened bags of deli meat, a tomato slice wrapped in plastic, blocks of sliced cheese, and a bag of shredded cheese were all found without proper dating or labeling. Additionally, some of these items were not properly sealed. These observations were made during a walkthrough of the walk-in refrigerator. Further inspection in the kitchen revealed a box of apples stored on a cart, with approximately seven apples showing signs of bruising and brown areas, and the presence of several fruit flies around the apples. Staff interviews confirmed that food not labeled, dated, or expired was disposed of, and that dietary staff were responsible for ensuring proper food storage practices. However, the observed deficiencies indicated that these procedures were not consistently followed.