Lack of Qualified Food and Nutrition Services Leadership
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ staff with the appropriate competencies and skill sets to manage the food and nutrition service in accordance with regulatory requirements. The Food Service Supervisor (FSS) did not possess the necessary certification, education, or qualifications to serve as the Director of Food and Nutrition Services. Specifically, the FSS was not a certified dietary manager or certified food service manager, did not have an associate's or higher degree in food service management or hospitality, and had not completed a course of study in food safety management covering essential topics such as foodborne illness, sanitation procedures, and food purchasing/receiving. Although the FSS had over two years of experience in the role, she had not achieved certification due to the lack of a consistent consultant Registered Dietitian (RD) to serve as a preceptor. Interviews revealed that the consultant RD provided only 12-16 hours of consultative services per month and was not employed full-time at the facility. The facility administrator confirmed awareness of the FSS's lack of required credentials and was unable to provide evidence of completed coursework in food safety management. Record reviews referenced federal food code requirements for accredited food protection manager certification, which were not met by the current FSS.