Improper Hand Hygiene Observed During Food Service
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to properly follow hand hygiene protocols during food preparation and service. Specifically, one dietary aide was observed handling a plate cover that had been placed on a dirty dish counter and then returning to plating lunches without washing his hands. On multiple occasions, staff washed their hands but then either turned off the faucet with wet hands or used the same paper towel to both turn off the faucet and dry their hands, which is not in accordance with proper hand washing procedures. The corporate dietary manager confirmed that the observed staff did not follow the correct hand washing procedure during lunch preparation. These actions were directly observed by surveyors and involved two of three kitchen staff, placing residents at risk for foodborne illness due to improper hand hygiene during food service.