Failure to Follow Food Safety and Hand Hygiene Protocols in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in food storage, preparation, and distribution within the facility's kitchen. Four chocolate flavored creme pies were found in a spare refrigerator without any labeling or dating, contrary to facility policy requiring all refrigerated foods to be labeled and dated. Additionally, a staff member was observed preparing pureed meals without washing her hands at the start of the process or wearing gloves. She handled various utensils and retrieved ingredients from the refrigerator without performing hand hygiene or donning new gloves between tasks. The same staff member was also seen licking her finger to remove excess food and failed to properly wash and sanitize equipment, only rinsing the blender cup instead of using the dishwasher as required. Interviews with the kitchen manager and the staff member confirmed that both had been trained on hand hygiene and food labeling protocols. The kitchen manager acknowledged that improper hand hygiene and failure to label and date food could result in residents becoming ill. Review of facility policies confirmed the requirements for hand hygiene and proper food labeling and dating, as well as the expectation that all staff adhere to these standards to prevent the spread of infection and ensure food safety.