HospitalInspections.org

Based on observations during tours, review of policy and procedures, and interviews with staff, the hospital's dietary staff failed to carry out their duties in a competent manner to ensure temperatures were obtained in a safe and sanitary manner for 1 of 1 dietary observations.

The findings include:

Observation on 10/31/2024 at 1130 of the tray line revealed Cook #1 performing temperatures of the foods. Observation revealed Cook #1 placing the thermometer into the broth and pepper steak. Observation revealed Cook #1 wiped the thermometer with the same alcohol wipe after dipping the thermometer into both of the foods. Observation revealed Cook #1 did not use a new alcohol wipe for each temperature check of each food.

Review on 10/31/2024 of policy titled "Production, Purchasing, Storage: Food Handling Guidelines" with revision date of 01/2024, revealed "...Food shall be protected against cross-contamination...Clean thermometers with single use alcohol wipes/Sani Wipes...."

Interview on 10/31/2024 at 1140 with Cook #1 revealed a new alcohol wipe should be used for each food while checking temperatures. Interview revealed Cook #1 did not use a new alcohol wipe for each food that was tested.

Interview on 10/31/2024 at 1145 with Director #2 revealed a new wipe is used to prevent allergies or contamination from each food. Interview revealed the policy was not followed.

Based on observations, review of policies, and interviews with staff, the facility staff failed to maintain freshness and safety of open dry food mixes by failing to place in secure containers for 1 of 1 kitchens toured.

The findings include:

Observation during the kitchen tour on 10/31/2024 at 1500 revealed four open bags of dry food in the original containers: 16 ounce box of cornstarch, almost empty; 42 ounce box of Quaker Oats, 3/4 full; 5 lbs (pounds) of Krusteaz pancake mix, 3/4 full; and 5 lbs of Quaker grits, 3/4 full.

Review of policy on 10/31/2024 titled "Productions, Purchasing, Storage: Food and Supply Storage" with revision date of 01/2024, revealed "...Foods that must be opened must be stored in NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) approved containers that have tight-fitting lids. Label both the bin and the lid...."

Interview on 10/31/2024 at 1515 with Director #2 revealed all open foods should be in approved containers to maintain freshness and safety. Interview revealed the policy was not followed.

NC00205036, NC00206236, NC00202980