Food Safety Deficiencies in Kitchen Storage, Temperature Monitoring, and Staff Hygiene
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures to adhere to professional standards for food service safety within the facility's kitchen. Chemicals, including peroxide, multi-surface cleaner, glass cleaner, mop cleaner, table top cleaner, vinegar, and mop heads, were stored in the dry storage room alongside food items. Specifically, a mop handle was found touching an open bag of tortilla chips, which was also in contact with a bottle of vinegar. The Dietary Manager confirmed that some frequently used chemicals were kept in the dry storage room, despite most being stored elsewhere. Additionally, the freezer's temperature monitoring was inadequate. The external display for the freezer temperature was not functioning, and there was no backup thermometer inside the freezer to verify the temperature. Although temperature logs indicated a consistent reading, the accuracy could not be confirmed due to the lack of a working thermometer. Furthermore, the Dietary Manager was observed wearing a hairnet that did not fully contain all hair, with several strands exposed, contrary to professional standards for food safety.