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Tag No.: A0144
Based on observation and interview the facility failed to ensure the oversight of assuring food and fruits placed in the refrigerator designated for patients within the unit are dated and/or wrapped. This failed practice can affect all patients on the unit and has the potential to cause harm from food borne illness (consuming contaminated foods or beverages).
The findings are:
A. On 04/27/21 at 2:30 pm during tour of the facility, observed in unit North 1 pantry refrigerator (designated for storing packaged snacks for the patients), a Styrofoam bowl (three letters written on the outside), two apples not wrapped or dated. Three separate clear packages with slices of bread without a date, or when the package was first opened. Staff (S)2 (Chief Nursing Officer) removed the bread from the refrigerator. In the freezer, a plastic container with brown powder and wrapping inside not labeled what the brown substance was. S2 removed the plastic container from the freezer.
B. On 04/27/2021 at 2:45 pm during tour of facility, observed in unit North 5 pantry refrigerator (designated for storing packaged snacks for patients), four apples unwrapped or dated, two separate clear packages with slices of bread without a date and when the package was first opened. Staff (S)2 removed the bread from the refrigerator.
C. On 04/27/2021 at 3:00 pm during interview, S2 (Chief Nurse Operator) mentioned the three letters on the Styrofoam cup could be for a patient but not sure. S2 confirmed separate clear packages with slices of bread should have a date indicating when placed in the refrigerator. S2 confirmed was not aware apples needed wrapping when stored in the refrigerator.
D. On 04/27/2021 at 3:10 pm during interview, S3 (Risk Management Director) was asked for a copy of the policy on the process to store food in the refrigerator. S3 stated, "There is no policy on how to properly store food in the refrigerator."