Failure to Enforce Beard Restraint Policy During Kitchen Maintenance
Penalty
Summary
Ground Maintenance Man D was observed in the facility's kitchen during food preparation without wearing a moustache or beard guard, despite having visible facial hair. A sign posted at the kitchen entrance clearly indicated that hairnets and beard restraints were required beyond that point. The maintenance staff member entered the kitchen to repair the food disposal while food was uncovered and being prepared by kitchen staff. Interviews with the maintenance staff, the Dietary Supervisor, and the Administrator confirmed that the expectation was for all staff, including maintenance personnel, to wear appropriate hair and beard restraints when entering the kitchen to prevent hair from contaminating food. The maintenance staff member acknowledged forgetting to wear his mask during the incident. Review of the facility's policy also confirmed the requirement for hair and beard restraints to be worn to prevent contact with exposed food and clean equipment.