F0812

F

Improper Food Handling and Storage Practices in Dietary Services

Belleville, Illinois Survey Completed on 03-26-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

Surveyors identified that the facility failed to store and prepare food in a manner that prevents potential contamination for all residents. During breakfast service, a dietary aide (V6) was observed plating food from the steam table without wearing a hairnet, despite initially stating she was wearing one. Later, the dietary manager (V4) clarified that the facility does not purchase clear hairnets and that the hairnets used have thin black webbing, indicating V6 was not in compliance with the requirement to wear a visible hair covering. In the dry storage room, surveyors observed several stacks of food and supply boxes, including bread, brown sugar, dry cereal, apple juice, potato chips, jelly, syrup, and non-dairy creamer, stored directly on the floor rather than on shelves at least six inches above the floor as required by facility policy. V4 stated these boxes had been delivered the previous day and had not been put away due to short staffing. The administrator (V1) stated he expects all dietary staff to wear hairnets in the kitchen and to store food according to policy. Facility policies revised January 2012 require the kitchen to be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition with hairnets or hair coverings worn at all times, and food and supplies to be stored six inches above the floor on clean racks or shelves. The daily census documented 94 residents living in the facility at the time of the survey.