Undated Opened Food Items Found in Nourishment Room Fridge
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the nourishment room fridge contained multiple opened food items that were not dated, including a bottle of chocolate milk, containers with soup-like substances, a to-go box, an item wrapped in foil, cheese slices in plastic wrap, and a container of meat. These items appeared to have been previously opened and were not labeled with dates, contrary to facility policy. The Dietary Manager confirmed responsibility only for snacks placed in the fridge by dietary staff, which are labeled and dated daily, but was unaware of the origin or status of the other items found during the inspection. Further interviews revealed that the nourishment room is accessible to all staff and families, with no code required for entry, and is intended for resident use only. The Administrator stated that the nourishment room is subject to the same policies as the kitchen, which require opened food packages to be stored in closed containers or sealed bags and dated when opened. The presence of undated, opened food items in the fridge indicated a failure to follow these professional standards for food storage and safety.