Complaint Investigation Report

Three of three Staff members stated that the main kitchen brings a cart with hot food. The prepared food is kept in a steam table and then plated for residents. At the end of each meal, leftover plates are wrapped and labeled with the time, date and name of resident. Staff stated that lunch plates can be left out on the counter for up to one hour, then placed in the refrigerator and then tossed in trash by 2:00 p.m. Staff stated that expired foods are tossed out and Staff always reviews the expiration date before serving residents. Staff has never observed moldy food in refrigerator, including moldy juice boxes. Staff 1 stated that the Director of Kitchen, ensures that food supplies like hot chocolate and cereal are well stocked and checks for expired foods.

Staff serves dinner at 5:00 p.m. Staff stated that wrapped plates can sit on a counter until 7:00 p.m. but is thrown away and not served to residents. Staff observed expired food in the refrigerator about a year ago. Staff further stated that resident family members often bring food and place in the refrigerator with their name and room number. Staff is not aware of anyone from main kitchen checking the refrigerator for expired foods. However, main kitchen staff stocks the refrigerator and cleans the kitchen.

Staff stated that in the event a resident does not eat dinner, the plate is wrapped, labeled and may remain on the counter top unrefrigerated as late as 10:30 p.m. Staff stated that this occurs three times a week. Staff has offered these plates to night shift staff and if they are not eaten by staff, they dispose of food in trash. Kitchen Staff typically stock and dispose of expired foods. Staff stated that there have been occasions when juice has been expired and he has had to dispose of item. In one instance there was an opened bottle of juice that had been sitting for more than a month. Staff reminds staff to be vigilant and notifies a supervisor that he has disposed of the item. Staff is not aware of a scheduled date to go through the refrigerator and check for expired foods.

Based on the information obtained, the allegation is deemed Substantiated at this time.