Deficient Food Handling and Sanitation Practices Observed
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies in the facility's food service operations. During a kitchen tour, a dietary aide was seen working without a beard restraint, instead wearing a surgical mask below his chin, which did not comply with the facility's policy requiring effective coverage of facial hair. In the walk-in freezer, four bowls of uncovered chocolate ice cream were found on a tray, and a personal lunch bag containing vendor ice cream samples was stored on a rack alongside facility food items. Additionally, in the main dining room, plates of dessert cakes were left uncovered and partially stacked on a cart. Interviews with the kitchen supervisor confirmed that the dietary aide was incorrectly told a surgical mask could substitute for a beard restraint and acknowledged that the uncovered ice cream should have been discarded earlier. Facility policies provided by the Director of Dining Services specified that all dietary staff must wear appropriate hair restraints and that all opened foods must be covered to protect from contamination. These lapses in food storage, preparation, and distribution practices had the potential to affect all residents in the facility.