Staff Consumed Food in Kitchen Food Preparation Area
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a staff member, identified as Cook-A, was observed eating a sub sandwich at a food preparation counter in the kitchen, near the microwave, with a plate of food also present on the counter. After finishing her meal, Cook-A placed the sandwich wrapper on the hot holding steam table counter. The dietary manager confirmed that staff are not permitted to eat in the kitchen and noted that Cook-A has physical challenges, with the staff break room located down a flight of stairs in the basement. Cook-A acknowledged she should not have been eating in the kitchen and typically eats in the designated break room. The registered dietician also agreed that eating in the kitchen at the food prep counter is an infection control concern and that all staff should eat only in the designated break room. No relevant policy was provided during the survey period.