Failure to Serve Food at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was served at a palatable and appetizing temperature for two residents on the second floor. Both residents, one with intact cognition and one with moderate cognitive impairment, reported that their meals were not at appropriate temperatures when delivered to their rooms. One family member also stated that food was usually cold by the time it reached the resident. Observations confirmed that food was plated and placed on a cart, then delivered to the second floor, where the last tray was served with food temperatures below required standards: chicken at 106°F, rice at 119°F, mashed potatoes at 127°F, and milk at 55°F. The surveyor noted that the hot foods were cold or lukewarm, and the milk was warm. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of knowledge regarding proper food holding temperatures. Both a nursing assistant and a dietary aide were unsure of the required temperatures for hot and cold foods. The dietary manager stated that hot foods should be held at a minimum of 135°F and cold foods at 41°F or lower, consistent with the facility's policy, which also identified the danger zone for food temperatures as between 41°F and 135°F. The failure to maintain appropriate food temperatures had the potential to affect all 24 residents on the unit.