Failure to Serve Food at Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to serve food items at appetizing temperatures, as evidenced by observations during a lunch meal service. The facility's policy, dated October 28, 2024, mandates that all hot food items must be cooked, held, and served at a temperature of at least 135 degrees Fahrenheit, while cold food items must be stored and served at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below. During the observation on December 6, 2024, a test tray from the second North unit cart was found to have food items not meeting these temperature requirements. Specifically, the iced tea was at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the Mandarin oranges at 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the bratwurst on a bun at 134.6 degrees Fahrenheit, the green beans at 145.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and the steak fries at 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The steak fries were notably cold and not at a palatable or appetizing temperature, a fact confirmed by the Dietary Director during the observation.
Plan Of Correction
No residents reported that the steak fries were cold and not at a palatable or appetizing temperature. Test trays include different types of fried potato dishes to determine proper temperatures that are palatable. Education with dietary staff by the administrator on F804 with a focus on serving food at an appetizing/palatable temperature. Audits will be completed 3 X week by the Dietary Director/Designee X4 weeks then weekly X4 weeks. This plan of correction will be monitored at the monthly Quality Assurance meeting until such time substantial compliance has been met.