Failure to Maintain Food Safety and Sanitation Standards in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to professional standards for food storage, preparation, and service in the kitchen, as evidenced by multiple observations and staff interviews. The Kitchen Manager was observed in the food preparation area without a hair net, contrary to facility policy requiring hair coverings for all dietary staff. Additionally, a drying rack near food preparation contained a sticky substance on several shelves, and plastic totes and bins were stacked while still wet, which the Kitchen Manager acknowledged was improper as items should be allowed to dry freely. Personal items, such as car keys, were found on food preparation tables, further violating sanitary standards. Food labeling and storage procedures were not followed, as an opened gallon of milk was found in a grocery store bag in the cooler without a date, and an opened bag of ready-to-bake cookies in the freezer was not labeled or dated. During food temperature checks, a staff member reused the same sanitizer wipe for multiple food items instead of using a new wipe for each, as required by policy. These deficiencies were confirmed by both the Kitchen Manager and the Registered Dietitian, who stated that proper hygiene, labeling, and sanitizing procedures were not followed during the survey period.