Failure to Ensure Use of Beard Coverings in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that staff in the kitchen wore required beard coverings while preparing, handling, and serving food. Multiple observations over several days documented that the food service consultant, culinary director, and a dietary aide, all with beards, were present in various kitchen areas—including food preparation, storage, and dishwashing—without beard coverings. These staff members were observed performing tasks such as wrapping silverware, placing desserts into containers, removing and temping chicken, and assisting with pureeing food, all without the required beard coverings. Interviews with the culinary director and food service consultant confirmed that staff had not been wearing beard coverings in the kitchen during the observed period. The culinary director acknowledged that beard coverings were required for sanitary and infection prevention reasons and explained that the lapse occurred after mandatory mask wearing was lifted, and the transition back to beard coverings had not been implemented. The deficiency had the potential to impact all residents receiving nourishment from the facility's dietary services.