Improper Kitchen Food Storage and Lack of Required Thermometers
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly store food products in the main kitchen in accordance with its own “Food Storage” policy dated 8/27/25, which requires food to be stored to facilitate thorough cleaning and for areas to be maintained in a clean, safe, sanitary manner with thermometers available in storeroom, freezer, and refrigerator units. During an observation of the main kitchen on 1/20/26 between 8:50 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., surveyors noted that the drink/food line cooler did not contain an internal thermometer, contrary to policy requirements. In addition, the refrigerator and deep freezer were observed to have food stored approximately three inches from the ceilings. During an interview at 9:15 a.m. on the same day, the Dietary Supervisor (Employee E8) confirmed that the facility had failed to properly store food products in the main kitchen, creating the potential for foodborne illness, in violation of Pa. 28 Code: 211.6(c)(d)(f) Dietary services. No specific residents or patient conditions were mentioned in the report, and the deficiency was identified based on policy review, environmental observations in the kitchen, and staff interview.
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