Failure to Ensure Dietary Staff Facial Hair Coverings and Proper Ice Machine Maintenance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all dietary staff with beards and moustaches wore appropriate facial hair coverings while working in the kitchen, as required by facility policy. Multiple observations over two days showed that cooks were serving meals without beard and moustache coverings, despite the policy stating that staff must be clean shaven or wear a beard guard or mask covering the entire area. Interviews with the involved staff confirmed that the coverings were not worn at all times, with one staff member indicating they were a new hire and still learning the procedures. Additionally, the facility did not maintain a safe and effective cleaning routine for the ice machine filtration system. Observations revealed that one filter was visibly dirty and past its change date, while other filters had dates indicating they had not been changed according to the required intervals. The area where cups and pitchers are filled with ice showed mineral deposits and rust. Interviews with maintenance staff confirmed that the filters had not been changed as required and that there was no written policy or manual for the filtration system. The facility administrator acknowledged the presence of mineral buildup and rust on the ice machine.