F0812

D

Improper Food Storage and Lack of Beard Guards in Dietary Services

Albuquerque, New Mexico Survey Completed on 01-28-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

Surveyors identified deficiencies in the facility’s food service operations related to food storage and staff use of protective equipment. On 01/20/26 at 12:13 p.m., observation of the kitchen revealed a ten‑pound box of frozen hamburger patties stored in the freezer left open to the air. During an interview at 12:15 p.m. the same day, the Dietary Manager confirmed that the box of frozen hamburgers was open to air and acknowledged it should not have been left open. The report notes that these practices are likely to affect all 107 residents listed on the census provided by the Administrator on 05/12/25 and may lead to foodborne illnesses in residents if proper food storage and safe food handling practices are not adhered to.

On 01/27/26 at 12:27 p.m., a subsequent kitchen observation showed a Dietary Aide serving lunch without wearing a beard guard. In an interview at 12:38 p.m., the Dietary Manager confirmed that the Dietary Aide was not wearing a beard guard and stated that he should have been. These findings demonstrate failures to ensure stored foods are not left open to air and to ensure staff with facial hair wear appropriate beard nets in the kitchen.