Failure to Enforce Hair Restraint Use in Kitchen During Food Service
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that all individuals entering the main kitchen during food preparation and distribution wore appropriate hair restraints, as required by facility policy. During observation of the lunch meal service, the maintenance director entered the kitchen and approached the serving line without donning a hair net or beard guard. Despite a dietary aide's verbal reminder, the maintenance director proceeded behind the serving line, interacted with the dietary manager, and remained in the food preparation area without the required protective coverings. The dietary manager later confirmed that all persons entering the kitchen are expected to wear hair coverings. In an interview, the maintenance director admitted to frequently entering the kitchen without wearing a hair net or beard guard, stating he was unaware of the requirement and that no one had previously informed him. The facility's policy, reviewed by the surveyor, clearly states that dietary staff must wear hair restraints to prevent hair from contacting food. The deficiency was brought to the attention of the facility administrator and regional nurse during the end-of-day meeting.