Failure to Maintain Food Safety and Staff Hygiene Standards
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in food storage, preparation, and staff hygiene practices within the facility's kitchen. During an initial tour, numerous food items in both the refrigerator and freezer were found to be undated and unlabeled, including bread, cheese, meats, soups, and desserts. Some items, such as roast beef and cheese, emitted a strong odor, and certain foods were left open to air. Additionally, an open energy drink was left on a food preparation table, and a sanitizer bucket was found to be below the required sanitation level. Staff interviews confirmed that food items should have been dated and labeled, and that open drinks should not be present in food prep areas. Further observations revealed that kitchen staff, including the Dietary Manager and cook, were not consistently wearing required hairnets or beard coverings while in the kitchen. The Dietary Manager and cook both acknowledged that staff should be wearing hairnets and beard nets, regardless of hair length, but were not in compliance at the time of observation. The Dietary Manager also admitted to removing outdated food from the refrigerator for personal use. These actions and inactions demonstrate a failure to adhere to professional standards for food service safety and hygiene.