F0812

F

Improper Food Storage and Staff Beverages in Kitchen Preparation Area

Lafayette, Indiana Survey Completed on 03-31-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

The deficiency involves improper food storage and the presence of employee beverages in the food preparation area, affecting the kitchen that serves all 65 residents. During a kitchen observation with the Dietary Manager, surveyors observed two unopened cans of energy drinks and a white cup with a lid and straw stored on a food preparation counter next to a jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread. The Dietary Manager stated these drinks belonged to staff and acknowledged that staff were not supposed to store any personal food or drinks in the food preparation area. Dietary Staff later confirmed that staff should never leave their personal drinks or food in the kitchen.

Additional observations in the walk-in freezer showed improper storage of frozen chicken. On the second shelf, there was a large opened plastic bag containing one skinless chicken breast with a small amount of ice buildup on the upper left corner, and a large cardboard box of skinless chicken breasts with the plastic bag left untied and the cardboard lid wide open. The Dietary Manager confirmed that the clear package containing the single chicken breast was open with ice on the edges and that the box of opened chicken should have been tied and not left open to air. These practices were inconsistent with the facility’s Culinary Services policy, which requires that food and supplies be properly stored and that all foods in the freezer be wrapped in moisture-proof wrapping or placed in suitable containers, labeled and dated, to keep foods safe and preserve quality.