Failure to Maintain Safe Food Storage and Preparation Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was stored and prepared in a safe manner, as evidenced by incomplete and missing food and beverage temperature logs for multiple dates across both the second and third floor dining rooms. Surveyors observed that meal and beverage temperatures were not consistently recorded for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with entire days and weeks lacking documentation. Additionally, some temperature logs were undated and contained multiple missing entries. During observation, beverage temperatures prior to serving were found to be above the required 41 degrees Fahrenheit, with apple juice and milk measured at 48 to 49 degrees Fahrenheit. Interviews with dietary staff revealed that it was the responsibility of aides present at each meal to record food and beverage temperatures, but this was not consistently done, particularly for dinner service. The dietary aide present confirmed the expectation to record temperatures for all meals and beverages, but acknowledged gaps due to part-time staffing. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed that staff education on temperature logging had been provided previously, but also stated that the facility did not have a formal policy regarding food temperatures, relying instead on the Wisconsin Food Code.