Based on record review, observations and staff interviews, the facility failed to remove expired prepackaged produce stored for use in 1 of 3 kitchen refrigerators (reach-in refrigerator). The practice had the potential to affect food served to residents. Findings included On 3/31/25 at 9:05 AM an observation was made in the kitchen with the Dietary Manager (DM). The reach-in refrigerator was observed to contain an unopened bag of shredded cabbage with a use by date of 3/27/25 on the bag. The DM was interviewed on 4/2/25 at 12:30 PM and stated the shredded cabbage was brought to the kitchen from another kitchen on site to be used that night as an alternative food choice. The staff in the kitchen did not check the expiration date of the cabbage and it was placed into the reach-in cooler. The DM stated the procedure was to check all food delivered for expiration dates before storing it. The Administrator stated on 4/03/25 at 10:52 AM the kitchen should not have accepted the expired food brought into the kitchen. He said when food had expired it should be removed from storage and discarded.

Based on observations and staff interviews the facility failed to remove expired food stored for use from 2 of 3 kitchen refrigerators (#1 and #2). This practice had the potential to affect food served to residents. The findings included: On 2/5/24 at 10:20 AM an observation of the kitchen's reach-in refrigerator #1 with the Dietary Manager (DM) revealed expired food items. On the top shelf, a clear plastic bag of red peppers contained a pepper with black spotted and fuzzy areas. The DM removed and immediately disposed of the pepper. The bottom shelf of the refrigerator contained 2 box sheets of desserts that were opened and individually wrapped with the date 1/23/24 written on them. The DM stated during the observation that the desserts might have been frozen and thawed to use over the weekend. The DM disposed of the desserts. An observation of reach-in refrigerator #2 on 2/5/24 at 10:30 AM with the DM revealed 2 plastic storage bags that contained previously opened sandwich meat. The storage bags were dated 1/3 and the DM immediately disposed of the bags. The DM stated on 2/7/24 at 11:54 AM that the expired foods in the refrigerators were overlooked and should have been removed when the dietary staff checked the refrigerators earlier in the day. The Administrator stated on 2/8/24 at 10:03 AM in an interview that the DM completed regular in-servicing and kitchen inspections and has experienced staff. The Administrator said the expired and outdated food items were overlooked and should have been removed.