Failure to Ensure Dietary Staff Hold Required Food Handler Certification
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies, skill sets, and accreditations in the food and nutrition service department, as evidenced by one dietary aide who did not possess a current and valid Texas Food Handler's Certificate. The dietary aide, who had worked in the facility for six months and was currently working as a cook, stated during an interview that he had not completed the required food handler's course due to lack of time. The aide also indicated that he was initially hired as a housekeeper and was moved to the kitchen because the facility was seeking staff to fill kitchen roles. The administrator confirmed that the aide had been informed multiple times about the need to obtain the certification but was unaware that it had not been completed until the time of the interview.