HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, record review and staff interview, the hospital failed to follow accepted dietary practices, with the potential to cause illness in 1 of 1 patients currently in the hospital.

Findings:

The surveyor reviewed a policy titled "Food Storage", which read in part:

"Food items will be stored, thawed, and prepared in accordance with good sanitary practice..."

"Any opened products shall be placed in seamless plastic or glass containers with tight-fitting lids or Ziploc bags..."

"Label and date all storage containers as follows: "The received date...date opened...date the item expires."

During a tour of the kitchen on 05/10/21 at 10:45 am, the surveyor noted multiple dry and liquid seasonings that had expired. The surveyor observed 4 containers that did not state the date they were opened. The surveyor also noted a plastic bin under the counter labeled "flour", also not dated when it was opened. The surveyor asked Staff H if he/she could tell when the seasonings and flour were opened. Staff H reported the kitchen staff have been refilling small bottles of seasonings and the flour tub from larger containers. The surveyor asked if the kitchen staff did this regularly, Staff H stated "That's the way we've always done it."