Failure to Ensure Dietary Staff Maintained Required Food Handler Certification
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skill sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service. Specifically, one activity aide and one dietary aide were found to be preparing food in the kitchen without having a current Texas Food Handler's License. Observations confirmed that the activity aide was preparing shredded cheese at the prep table, and record reviews of both aides' personnel files showed no evidence of current or prior food handler certifications at the time of review. Interviews with the Dietary Manager and Administrator confirmed that these staff members did not have current food handler certifications and that there was no facility policy in place to ensure compliance with food handler certification requirements. The Administrator acknowledged the importance of food handler certification for all staff involved in food preparation to ensure adherence to best practices, proper sanitation, and prevention of cross-contamination. The activity aide also confirmed that her certification was expired at the time she was preparing food and recognized the risk this posed to residents. The facility's infection control policy required valid food handler cards for dietary associates, but this was not followed for the staff in question.