Improper Food Storage, Labeling, and Dating in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s food service operations related to improper storage, labeling, and dating of food items, contrary to FDA Food Code 2022 and the facility’s own Food Safety Requirements policy. The FDA Food Code requires refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety foods held more than 24 hours to be clearly date-marked and used or discarded within seven days at 41°F or less. The facility’s policy required staff to inspect all food upon delivery for safe transport and quality, ensure timely and proper storage, label and date refrigerated foods (including leftovers) so they are used by their use-by date or frozen/discarded, and keep foods covered or in tight containers. During an early morning kitchen tour with the Food Service Manager (FSM), surveyors observed multiple violations. In the walk-in freezer, there was an open box of frozen French bread dough that was not covered, sealed, or dated, and an open bag of frozen chicken breast that was not sealed or dated. Additionally, a loaf of sliced bread in a bag was found lying on the floor between the wall and shelving. In the walk-in refrigerator, surveyors found a container of heavy cream with a best-by date that had already passed. The FSM acknowledged that the bread must have fallen from the shelf, that the French bread and chicken breast should have been sealed and dated, and that the heavy cream had been recently ordered without noticing its expired best-by date.
We Help Long-Term Care Teams Stay Survey-Ready
We process and analyze inspection reports and plan of correction using AI to extract insights and trends so providers can improve care quality and stay ahead of compliance risks.