Failure to Use Required Hair and Beard Restraints During Food Preparation
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves failure to maintain proper sanitary conditions in the kitchen during food preparation, specifically related to required use of hair restraints and facial hair covers. During a kitchen observation at 8:10 a.m. on September 2, 2025, one cook (Staff #107) was observed working in the kitchen without a hair net. Another cook (Staff #51) was observed in the kitchen without a hair net and with visible facial hair that was not covered by a beard guard/net. At the same time, a small pot containing a green substance resembling vegetables was observed boiling on the stove. In subsequent interviews, the Food Service Director (Staff #125) confirmed that staff working in the kitchen are required to wear hair nets and facial hair guards and acknowledged that failure to do so can result in hair getting into food, stating that the staff "know better." The Administrator (Staff #5) stated that expectations are for staff to follow facility policy and procedure to prevent cross contamination in the kitchen, including proper PPE such as hair nets and facial hair covers during food preparation. In a later interview, the Food Service Director identified the boiling green food observed during the initial kitchen observation as buttered spinach being prepared for lunch service and confirmed it is started early in the day for slow cooking. Review of the facility’s “Personal Hygiene and Health Reporting” policy showed that hair restraints must be worn around exposed foods in kitchen and food service areas, and that beards must be restrained with beard covers when around exposed foods.
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