Failure to Maintain Kitchen Sanitation and Staff Hair Restraint Compliance
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions in the kitchen, specifically regarding staff compliance with hair restraint policies and the cleanliness of cooking equipment. During an initial tour, one staff member was seen without a hair restraint while standing between the stove and counters, only putting it on after being observed. She admitted to removing it due to discomfort and forgetting to replace it, despite acknowledging the requirement to wear it at all times. Another staff member in the dishwashing area was also found without a hair restraint, stating she had forgotten to put it on, even though she was aware of the facility's policy. Both staff members confirmed they had been trained to always wear hair restraints to prevent hair from contaminating food or equipment. Additionally, the facility's deep fryer was found with baskets containing dried brown crusty substances and black particles on the side and front ledges, which were identified as leftover debris from a previous meal service. The Dietary Manager confirmed that the fryer baskets and ledges should have been cleaned after use and that failure to do so could result in cross contamination. The fryer was reportedly on a weekly cleaning schedule, but the observed debris was attributed to a meal served two days prior. Facility policies and FDA Food Code requirements for hair restraints and equipment cleanliness were reviewed, confirming that the observed practices did not meet established standards.