Failure to Monitor Food Cooldown and Prohibit Gum Chewing in Food Preparation Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to consistently follow food safety standards in the handling and preparation of potentially hazardous foods (PHFs). Surveyors observed that multiple cooked and frozen food items, such as macaroni and cheese, corned beef, vegetarian meatloaf, and lentil loaf, were stored without proper cooldown temperature monitoring. Additionally, prepared tuna salad made from ingredients stored at room temperature was not monitored for temperature during storage, with staff only checking temperatures shortly before use. Review of the facility's cooldown logs confirmed that these items were not tracked during the cooling process, and the facility's policy did not provide guidance for documenting or monitoring the cooldown of PHFs prepared from room temperature ingredients. During food production observations, a food service worker was seen chewing gum while preparing mechanically altered food items, in direct violation of the facility's policy prohibiting gum chewing in kitchen or serving areas. The worker confirmed having gum in her mouth when questioned. These lapses in food handling and staff conduct were identified through direct observation, staff interviews, and review of departmental documentation.