Failure to Ensure Dietary Staff Hold Required Food Handler Certification
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ sufficient dietary staff with the appropriate competencies and skill sets, as evidenced by four out of five reviewed dietary staff members lacking a valid Texas Food Handler's License. Record reviews confirmed that Cook A, three other dietary staff, and a dietary aide had all been employed for more than 30 days without obtaining the required certification. Multiple interviews with these staff members revealed they were unaware of the requirement or the timeframe for obtaining the food handler's license. The new dietary manager, hired nine days prior to the survey, also confirmed she could not locate any current food handler certificates for these staff members and acknowledged her responsibility for ensuring staff training and certification. Further interviews with the Administrator and dietary manager indicated a lack of oversight and understanding regarding the process and timeline for obtaining food handler certification. Despite requests, the facility was unable to provide documentation of food handler licenses for the kitchen staff prior to the survey exit. Review of Texas Department of State Health Services regulations confirmed that all food employees, except for the certified food protection manager, must complete accredited food handler training within 30 days of employment, and the facility must maintain certificates on the premises.