HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, document review, and interview, for 2 of 2 freezers and 1 of 3 refrigerators in the Food and Dietary Department, the hospital failed to ensure that food was properly labeled when opened, as required by policy.

Findings include:

1. On 8/06/2025 between 1:45 PM through 2:15 PM, an observational tour of the hospital's Food and Dietary Department was conducted with E #5 (Food Director). During the tour, the following were observed:

- Fifteen uncooked hamburger patties inside the double-door freezer that had no label or use by date.
- Four uncooked pizza burger patties, dated 6/26/2025, and one bag of blueberries dated 6/27/2025 inside the three-door freezer.
- A bag of shredded mozzarella and another bag of cheddar cheeses with opened dates of 7/8/2025 and 7/21/2025 dates, respectively. There were also seven hardboiled eggs that had a 7/31/2025 date inside the two-door refrigerator (#2).

2. On 8/06/2025, the hospital's policy titled, "Storage Guidelines" (3/2021) was reviewed and included, " ... To comply with regulatory guidelines, to prevent spoilage and to have adequate supplies available ... B. Refrigerated and Frozen Product Storage Guidelines ... i. All opened items (such as refrigerated leftovers) are dated and labeled with a specific label. This label contains the date of preparation or opening and product name. j. The general rule of thumb in the Dietary Department for leftovers items is 'three days and out' with the exception of condiments ..."

3. On 8/06/2025, findings were discussed with E #5 (Food Director). E #5 stated that the opened food items found inside the freezers and refrigerators should have been properly labeled and tossed out.