Expired Food and Improper Storage in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to discard food items past their use-by date and did not store food off the floor in the walk-in freezer. Specifically, two one-quart containers of lemon-flavored thickener with a use-by date that had already passed were found in the walk-in cooler. Additionally, three boxes of frozen turkeys and one box of french toast sticks were found placed directly on the floor in the walk-in freezer. These findings were made during an initial observation of the kitchen with the Dietary Manager present. Interviews with the Dietary Manager and the Administrator confirmed that dietary staff were responsible for checking use-by dates on food items and ensuring that expired items were discarded. Both also acknowledged that food should not be stored on the floor of the freezer. The Dietary Manager explained that the extra turkeys were due to holiday distribution to staff and that limited freezer space contributed to the improper storage. The improper storage and failure to discard expired food items were not reported or corrected by staff prior to the surveyor's observation.