Deficient Food Handling, Storage, and Sanitation Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain sanitary food handling and storage practices in several areas. Observations revealed that the kitchen ice machine was non-operational and padlocked, with no scoop available, leading an LPN to use uncovered ice cube trays in the nourishment room freezer to provide ice. The LPN handled the trays with bare hands, and food items in a cloth bag were stored directly above the open trays. The ice machine had reportedly been broken for 1-2 months, and there was no documented policy for the use of ice cube trays in this manner. Additionally, the freezer had also been out of order for several months, with no alternative process for ice delivery in place. Further deficiencies were identified in the kitchen and storage areas. Multiple food items in the refrigerators and freezers were found without labels or dates, including containers of various substances and sandwiches. A dented can was found in dry storage, contrary to facility policy requiring such items to be removed and returned to the vendor. Review of food temperature logs showed missing entries for three consecutive days, and cleaning schedules lacked signatures or clear assignment of responsibility. Interviews with dietary staff and the director confirmed that these practices did not align with facility policies, and staff were unsure why proper procedures were not followed.