Failure to Serve Palatable Food at Appropriate Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to serve palatable food at appropriate temperatures, as evidenced by observations and interviews with residents and staff. Meeting minutes from the food committee in 2024 indicated complaints about burnt, cold, and bad-tasting food. Interviews with two residents on January 12, 2025, revealed dissatisfaction with the taste and temperature of the food, with one resident noting an excess of pork and cold meals. Observations on January 14, 2025, during the lunch meal tray line showed that the food items, including macaroni and cheese, chicken, mashed potatoes, fruit cocktail, and coffee, were not at appetizing temperatures. The macaroni and cheese was 141 degrees F, the chicken was 136.5 degrees F and dry, the mashed potatoes were 136.5 degrees F and not palatable, the fruit cocktail was 61 degrees F and warm, and the coffee was 138.3 degrees F. The Director of Dietary confirmed that the fruit cocktail was warmer than preferred, as it was not kept cold after being removed from the refrigerator.
Plan Of Correction
1. Action to immediately correct the appearance and palatability of food was not possible retroactively. 2. All residents have the potential to be affected by this issue. The Dietary Manager will observe random tray passes by completing test trays. 3. The Dietary Manager will re-educate the dietary staff on the proper food temperatures and palatability. The Dietary Manager or designee will educate dietary staff regarding the proper temperature and palatability of food procedure. 4. Nursing staff will also receive education/re-education regarding passing meal trays in a timely manner to preserve temperatures. 5. Dietary Manager will conduct test tray audits 5x weekly for 4 weeks and then monthly. Quality Assurance Performance Improvement will monitor findings.