Failure to Discard Spoiled Refrigerated Produce in Accordance with Food Safety Standards
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency related to the facility's failure to ensure timely discarding of refrigerated food items to maintain food safety. During a kitchen inspection, it was observed that the temperature log for the produce refrigerator was not recorded for one night. Further inspection of the refrigerator revealed multiple produce items, including shredded cabbage, zucchini, celery, and cantaloupe, that were visibly spoiled and dated approximately three weeks prior. The facility's own policies, which reference the FDA Food Code, require that time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods be stored for no more than seven days, yet these items had been retained well beyond that period. Interviews with the Dietary Director and the Regional Director confirmed that the spoiled produce had not been used in meal preparation, but neither could explain why the items remained in storage for such an extended period. The Dietary Director acknowledged the produce was dated and spoiled, and the Regional Director confirmed that new produce had been received and stored, yet the old, spoiled items were not removed. No information was provided regarding any residents being directly affected or any adverse outcomes resulting from the deficiency.