complaint·April 26, 2025

INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE FOLLOWING: Allegation #2: Staff are not providing adequate food service to residents. The complaint alleges that the facility staff is not providing adequate food services to residents. It has been reported that staff members were licking their fingers and touching the food served to residents. No further details have been provided concerning this allegation. On April 24 and April 26, 2025, between 09:30 AM and 10:45 AM, the Department interviewed staff members identified as Staff #1 and Staff #5 through Staff #9. (S1) and (S5-S9). Six (6) out of the six (6) staff members could not validate this allegation. (S1) stated they were not aware of any misconduct by food service staff regarding safe handling practices. (S5-S9) claimed safe handling practices for kitchen workers include regular handwashing, preventing cross-contamination, thorough cooking and reheating of food, and maintaining food at safe temperatures. They clean and sanitize surfaces and equipment frequently, store food properly, and be aware of fire safety. (S5-S9) claimed they are provided with a Waitstaff Job Specific Checklist, OSHA & Safety Training, and Food for Safety for Food Handlers training. (S5-S9) asserted that the waitstaff must wear appropriate clean uniforms, aprons, hair restraints, and gloves. Additionally, the information from (S5-S9) clarified that contaminants are carefully managed and never served to their residents in care. Ensuring their safety and well-being is their top priority. On April 26, 2025, between 10:35 AM and 04:15 PM, the Department interviewed resident members identified as Resident #4 through Resident #11 (R4-R11). Eight (8) out of the eight (8) resident members could not corroborate this allegation. (R5-R11) emphasized that they have consistently observed the kitchen staff practicing safe food handling. (R5-R11) praised the kitchen staff and servers as courteous, efficient, and providing excellent service. On April 24, 2025, between 11:00 AM and 03:45 PM, the Department interviewed witness members identified as Witness #1 through Witness #4 (W1-W4). Four (4) out of the four (4) family representatives claimed to have no issues with the food services provided by Atria Hacienda staff. (W1-W4) stated that during resident visits, they have never observed any violations of quality or safe food handling standards. (Evaluation Report continues LIC 9099-C) A review of the facility’s Weekly Menu (dated 09/06/24 through 09/14/24 and 04/27/25 through 05/03/25), Today’s Special Menu (dated 09/09/24 and 04/26/25), Waitstaff Job Specific Checklist & Training Topics, revealed staff have completed courses on OSHA & Safety, Food Safety, Kitchen Safety, Appearance Guidelines, Teamwork Guidelines, Customer Expectations and Special Diet Considerations. The Department conducted inspections on September 9, 2024, and April 26, 2025. The facility tour included a commercial kitchen, a dining terrace, two dining rooms, a bistro, and a bistro patio. During the inspection, the Department observed that kitchen staff were wearing gloves, hair restraints, aprons, and clean uniforms. The food supply was managed with appropriate dates to prevent spoilage and was stored at the correct temperatures according to Title 22 regulations. Moreover, the Department observed the presence of additional supplies of food thermometers, gloves, cleaning and sanitation supplies (like spray bottles and brushes), food preparation tools (such as cutting boards and labels), storage containers, and personal protective equipment (PPE), including aprons and masks. Based on the information gathered, there is not enough evidence to support the allegation mentioned above. Based on the information collected from the facility inspection, observations, interviews, and records analysis, the Department found no evidence to support the above allegation. While the allegation may be valid or have occurred, there is insufficient evidence to establish whether the alleged violation took place or did not. Therefore, the allegation is determined Unsubstantiated . An exit interview was conducted with Assistant Executive Director Nathan Boese, and copies of the reports were provided.