Failure to Enforce Beard Net Policy During Food Handling
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a staff member with facial hair was observed in the kitchen checking food temperatures without wearing a beard net, as required by the facility's policy. The staff member acknowledged being reeducated on the beard net policy a year prior and stated that all kitchen staff were responsible for following this policy. Despite this, he did not wear a beard net before checking food temperatures, citing allergies as the reason, and admitted to notifying the Dietary Manager (DM) about his allergies before his shift. The staff member also confirmed that he was still required to wear a beard net regardless of the length of his facial hair. Other dietary staff interviewed confirmed their understanding of the beard net policy and the importance of its adherence to prevent hair from contaminating food. The DM stated that all kitchen staff and anyone entering the kitchen were required to wear a beard net or be clean-shaven when handling food, and that he conducted rounds to ensure compliance. However, the DM observed the staff member not wearing a beard net while checking food temperatures and did not intervene or provide a reason for not taking action. The facility's Staff Attire policy, revised in January 2025, specifies that all staff must have hair confined in a hair net or cap and facial hair properly restrained.