Failure to Ensure Proper Use of Hair Nets in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to consistently wear hair nets in the kitchen as required by facility policy. During an observation, a staff member with long braids was seen assisting with food temperature checks on the steam table without a hair net. Later, the same staff member returned to the kitchen wearing a hair net, but her braids were not fully contained within it. She was then observed handling food items on the stove. The staff member confirmed during an interview that she had not been wearing a hair net until she left and returned, and that her hair was not fully covered even after donning the hair net. Additionally, the Maintenance Director entered the kitchen without a hair net, walked past the stove and food preparation area, and checked the thermostat above the food preparation area. He had short hair, approximately one inch in length, and was not wearing any hair restraint. The Maintenance Director confirmed during an interview that he was not wearing a hair net and acknowledged that he should have applied one before entering the kitchen. The facility's policy requires hair nets or caps to be worn to prevent hair from contacting exposed food, clean equipment, utensils, and linens.