Failure to Serve Meals at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to serve meals that were palatable and at a safe and appetizing temperature for seven out of twenty-three residents sampled. Observations and interviews revealed that residents frequently received meals that were not hot enough, with several residents expressing dissatisfaction with the temperature of their food. A group interview with six alert and oriented residents confirmed that hot food temperatures were often cold, with one resident stating that the food was cold every day at all meals, and another describing the food as lukewarm at best. A test tray evaluation conducted on the East D Wing Nursing Unit further confirmed the deficiency. The meal, which included chicken with gravy and a waffle, was served at a temperature of 102.5°F, below the required minimum of 135°F. The food was described as cold and not palatable, with the waffle being soggy and not toasted. The foodservice director acknowledged that the test tray results did not meet the facility's policy or regulatory requirements, confirming the deficiency in maintaining appropriate food temperatures.
Plan Of Correction
The facility cannot retroactively correct the deficiency noted by the surveyor for residents 44, 201, 38, 16, 88, 54, and 34. The facility recognizes that all residents have the potential to be affected. See section 3 and 4 for system changes and monitoring. The Dietary Manager will re-educate dietary staff on serving palatable meals at a safe and appetizing temperature. The Dietary Manager or designee will do test trays weekly for 4 weeks and then monthly for 2 months to verify meals are palatable and served at a safe and appetizing temperature which meets the regulatory requirements. Test tray results will be submitted to the monthly QA committee meeting for review and any further recommendations for 3 months.