Deficient Food Storage, Labeling, and Sanitation Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the facility's food storage, labeling, and sanitation practices. In the dry food storage room, a package of hamburger buns was found with a date indicating it was 12 days old, exceeding the facility's guideline of using bread within five to seven days. In the walk-in refrigerator, several food items, including bowls of apple crisp, containers of pudding, mixed fruit, and sliced cheese, were not labeled or dated. Additionally, a large container of orange juice was labeled with an outdated date, and a container of tomato soup and a half-gallon of buttermilk were found past their recommended use or expiration dates. The Dietary Supervisor confirmed that these items should have been labeled, dated, and disposed of according to facility policy. Further observations in the walk-in freezer revealed opened boxes of chopped spinach, beef steaks, and broccoli that were left open to air and lacked open dates. In the kitchen, the steam table used for keeping food hot during meal service was found with food debris on and between the compartments, as well as inside them. The Registered Dietitian acknowledged that the steam table should have been wiped down at least once daily and as needed, and that the covers should be washed daily. Review of facility policies confirmed requirements for labeling, dating, and proper storage of food, as well as maintaining cleanliness of kitchen equipment, which were not followed in these instances.