Failure to Ensure Consistent Use of Beard Nets During Food Preparation
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to consistently prevent hair from contacting food in the kitchen, as observed during food preparation. Specifically, a food service aide with visible facial hair was seen preparing residents' food trays without wearing a beard net, despite the presence of the acting director of food and nutrition. When questioned, the director acknowledged that the aide should have had their facial hair covered and instructed the employee to apply a beard net at that time. The facility's policy on employee hygiene and sanitary practices requires that hair nets or beard restraints be worn when cooking, preparing, or assembling food to prevent hair from contacting exposed food, clean equipment, utensils, and linens. The deficiency was identified through direct observation and confirmed by staff interviews and review of facility policy documents. No information about residents' medical history or condition was included in the report.