Failure to Ensure Proper Use of Beard Restraints During Food Preparation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was prepared and served in a sanitary manner, as required by both facility policy and regulatory standards. Surveyors observed multiple instances where staff did not wear beard restraints properly or at all while preparing food in the kitchen. Specifically, the Dietary Director was seen preparing food with a beard net that did not cover the mustache, and a cook was observed entering the kitchen and preparing food on two separate occasions without donning a beard net. These observations were made during food preparation times and involved staff with facial hair that was not properly restrained, contrary to the facility's stated policy. Interviews with staff confirmed that there was an expectation for facial hair coverings, but the practice was not consistently followed. The facility's policy on hair covering was reviewed, and there was some confusion regarding the requirements, as an updated policy was presented during the survey. The policy required mustache or beard restraints for facial hair exceeding half an inch in length, but federal regulations require that no facial hair be exposed. The deficiency had the potential to affect all 111 residents dining in the facility, as it created a risk of physical contamination of food during preparation and service.