Deficient Food Storage and Preparation Practices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. During an initial kitchen tour, a dented can was observed stored on the rack with other canned items in the dry storage area, rather than in the designated area labeled for dented cans not to be used. The Dietary Manager confirmed that dented cans were used first and repeated this practice during the interview. The facility's policy on food storage and supplies did not address the handling of dented cans, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food Code requires food packages to be in good condition to protect the integrity of the contents. Additionally, a dietary staff member was observed not properly using a hair restraint to cover all hair during food preparation. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that improper use of hair restraints could result in food contamination. Interviews with dietary staff confirmed that dented cans should not be used due to the risk of contamination and that proper hair restraint is necessary to prevent biological contaminants from entering food.