Meals Served Lacked Palatability, Proper Temperature, and Presentation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide meals that were palatable, attractive, and served at an appropriate temperature, as evidenced by resident complaints and direct observations. During a Resident Council meeting, residents reported that meals were often cold and lacked flavor. A test tray was later prepared and delivered to the Activity Room, where it was sampled by two surveyors and the Administrator. The tray included a chicken salad sandwich, green pea salad, broccoli and cheese soup, and barbeque potato chips. Observations revealed that the green pea salad's liquid had spread across the plate, causing the sandwich bread to become soggy. The chicken salad was described as bland and lacking seasoning, while the soup was lumpy, bland, and of an inappropriate consistency. Both the soup and the pea salad were served at temperatures that were neither hot nor cold, and the pea salad lacked seasoning and was not served cold as expected. All participants agreed that the presentation and taste of the food items were unsatisfactory, with the Administrator acknowledging that most resident complaints were about the supper meal. The improper plating, lack of seasoning, and failure to maintain appropriate food temperatures contributed to the deficiency, affecting the quality and palatability of meals served to residents. No specific resident medical histories or conditions were mentioned in relation to the deficiency.