Failure to Maintain Food Safety and Sanitation Standards in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food storage, handling, and sanitation in the kitchen, as observed during surveyor visits. Staff were observed not wearing hair nets while in the kitchen, and food items stored in the refrigerator were found without labels or open dates. A large dented can of pineapple was found on the shelf, and the counter-mounted can opener had a thick black tarry substance present. Additionally, the floor underneath the triple sink was found with small white particles and a thick black tarry film, and cleaning records for the floor were incomplete, with a missing signature for a specific date. Interviews with dietary staff and supervisors confirmed that these practices were not in line with the facility's own policies and procedures, which require proper hair covering, labeling and dating of food, removal of dented cans, and regular cleaning of equipment and floors. Staff acknowledged the importance of these measures for infection control and food safety, and admitted to lapses in following procedures, such as forgetting to wear hair nets, not labeling food, and not cleaning equipment and floors as required.