F0812

F

Improper Food Storage, Labeling, and Freezer Temperature Management

Bennington, Vermont Survey Completed on 03-11-2026

Penalty

Fine: $12,735

Summary

Surveyors identified a deficiency in food storage and labeling practices in the facility’s kitchen and dry storage areas. During an observation of the kitchen freezer, surveyors found an opened pack of three sausages and an opened package of smart dogs that were not dated or labeled. In the dry storage area, they observed a 10-pack of instant grits and a 13.7-ounce bag of cheese queso that were past their expiration dates. A kitchen staff member confirmed that the items were expired and that the sausages and smart dogs were opened and unlabeled. On a subsequent observation of the kitchen, surveyors again found the same opened and undated sausages and smart dogs still in the freezer, along with one open and undated package of hot dog buns and two packages of hamburger buns with no date or initials. Another kitchen staff member confirmed these items should have been discarded.

Surveyors also identified a deficiency related to freezer temperature monitoring and follow-up. Review of the facility’s freezer temperature logs showed that on multiple dates, the C wing and North wing freezers were recorded at elevated temperatures of 10°F and 5°F. The facility’s Dietary-Food Storage policy required that all refrigerators and freezers meet national sanitation foundation standards, follow recommended temperatures, and that elevated temperatures be immediately brought to the attention of the Dietary Manager or designee and environmental services. In an interview, the Food Service Coordinator acknowledged that these recorded freezer temperatures were elevated and stated that the process was to notify maintenance and submit a work order, but confirmed that she did not submit work orders after these elevated temperatures were documented.