complaint·October 25, 2024

It was alleged that staff served moldy food to the day care children. On 10/11/2024 and 10/25/2024, the Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Susan Brewer, made observations, obtained records and conducted interviews with parties pertinent to the investigation which revealed the following. During the first week of October 2024, a concern was brought to the attention of subject staff regarding a food item that appeared to have mold on it and additional food was requested. Other pertinent parties interviewed revealed that although it was reported that a food item had mold, the parties denied observing any food items with mold and addressed the matter by discarding all potentially spoiled items. In addition, the parties interviewed denied reporting the alleged incident to the center director Meenakshi Verma. On 10/11/2024 the LPA S. Brewer, inspected the food storage refrigerators, freezers and pantries at the facility. The LPA observed frozen food items which were packaged with a label indicating a delivery date and a consume date. The LPA observed the food to fresh, however one frozen food item removed from the packaging appeared to have a white powder substance on it and discoloration. The LPA was unable to determine if the white powder was from a preservative, white flour or from the item thawing out after freezing. In addition, the LPA was unable to determine if the discoloration was from freezing the food, however the LPA could not define the observation as moldy food. The LPA was unable to find a expiration date on the packaging, only a delivery and consume date. Pertinent parties interviewed described foods items listed on the menu, which are inspected for quality assurance upon delivery and receipt. In addition only fresh and canned foods are prepared at the center, while other fresh boxed milk, snacks and frozen foods such as muffins, pancakes and like foods received are thawed prior to serving but remain in the original package when served to the table for children. Pertinent parties interviewed stated day care children eat family style and children can open the packaged foods individually or a teacher can assist if needed. The LPA was unable to obtain any photos of the food that was alleged to have mold on it and unable to interview other pertinent parties. Based on the information gathered by the LPA through observations, records and interviews the allegation is determined to be unsubstantiated. Although the allegation that facility staff served moldy food to daycare children may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. Exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with Site Supervisor Rosa Martinez. A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.