Failure to Provide Palatable and Properly Prepared Food
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food served to residents was palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature, as required by its Food Preparation policy. Multiple residents reported dissatisfaction with the food, citing issues such as lack of flavor, excessive saltiness, bland taste, and unappetizing appearance. Some residents noted that food intended to be hot was sometimes served cold, and one resident's family member began taking him home for meals due to dissatisfaction. Another resident stated that while the food tasted good, its appearance was so poor it would be unappetizing to others. A test tray evaluation conducted by surveyors, a CNA, and the CEO revealed that while the main dish was at an appropriate temperature, the French bread was cold and hard, the broccoli was mushy, discolored, and unpalatable, and the chocolate pie was too warm and melting. The CEO confirmed the poor quality of the broccoli. The Kitchen Manager stated he had not received grievances regarding food temperature or palatability but acknowledged that the use of frozen broccoli and prolonged time in the heating table likely contributed to the poor quality.