Failure to Properly Label, Date, and Discard Food Items
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to ensure food was distributed and served in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. During the recertification survey, multiple instances of unlabeled and undated food items were found in both the kitchen and unit pantries, including open jars of chopped garlic and ricotta cheese, a defrosted turkey breast, and an open bag of perogies. Expired food items, such as salad dressing, cookies, and yogurt, were also found in various storage areas and pantries. Additionally, an unlabeled open vanilla pudding with mold and a jar containing an unknown substance were observed. Open and undated beverages, including thickened liquids and milk, were present in the second-floor pantry refrigerator. Interviews with staff revealed confusion and lack of clarity regarding responsibilities for labeling, dating, and discarding food items. The Maintenance Director, Certified Nurse Aide, DON, and Food Service Director each provided differing accounts of who was responsible for monitoring and maintaining food safety in the pantries and refrigerators. The Food Service Director acknowledged that dietary staff were responsible for labeling and discarding food after three days but admitted that some items may have been missed. There was also uncertainty about who stocked certain cabinets and who was responsible for discarding liquids used for medication pass if they were undated or expired.