Improper Refrigerated Food Storage Directly on Walk-In Refrigerator Floor
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in food storage practices when, during an observation in the kitchen’s walk-in refrigerator with the Dietary Manager, they noted stacks of boxes of food items with at least one box labeled “pork/cerdo” stored directly on the floor. The Dietary Manager acknowledged during the observation that boxes of food items are required to be stored 6 inches above the floor to prevent food contamination. In a subsequent interview, the Dietary Manager reiterated that all food items should be stored 6 inches above the floor to prevent food contamination and potential foodborne illness. Record review of the facility’s “Sanitation and Food Safety Storage of Refrigerated Foods” policy, revised in 2017, documented that refrigerated food must be stored in a manner that ensures food safety and that food is to be stored six inches above the floor. This failure in following the facility’s policy occurred in a facility with a census of 180 residents, 179 of whom were taking oral nutrition and 1 resident listed as NPO (nothing per mouth).
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.