complaint·March 20, 2025

Report Continued from LIC 809... It was alleged that staff are not practicing proper hand hygiene. It was reported that facility staff are not washing their hands after eating or handling other items. Records reviewed and interviews conducted revealed that all kitchen staff are required to complete and pass food handler training. In addition to the required training, in-service sessions are conducted monthly, focusing on specific topics. Interviews with staff indicated that the first thing they do when beginning their shift is wash their hands. Staff also mentioned that, while not everyone washes their hands as frequently as they do, they do observe other staff members washing their hands at appropriate times. Additionally, staff stated that when wearing gloves, the protocol is to wash their hands each time before putting on a new pair of gloves. Based on the information obtained and reviewed through records and interviews, the Department has insufficient evidence to support the allegation of “staff are not practicing proper hand hygiene”. Therefore, this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. It was also alleged that staff does not ensure kitchen is clean. It was reported that staff were not cleaning the kitchen and dining room areas after each meal service. During the plant tour on 03/14/2025, the LPA inspected the kitchen/food service area and observed that the kitchen was clean and sanitary, with no toxic substances in sight. The LPA noted staff present in the kitchen cooking upon arrival to the facility; however, the kitchen was clean. Staff interviews indicated that after each meal service, they clean the dining room area to prepare for the next meal service. Staff also stated that cleaning duties are assigned to each person to complete every day. These tasks include vacuuming the dining room, cleaning and setting up the tables for the next meal service, and maintaining the server's station in a clean state at all times. Based on observations and information obtained, the Department has insufficient evidence to support the allegation of “staff does not ensure kitchen is clean”. Therefore, this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. No citations issued. Exit interview conducted. A copy of the report was provided.