Failure to Serve Food at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was served at a palatable and warm temperature, as required by policy. During an interview, a cognitively intact resident with multiple medical diagnoses, including digestive system issues and concerns regarding food and fluid intake, reported that food was sometimes cold and did not always taste good. Observations of the tray line and test tray process revealed that while food temperatures were initially within acceptable ranges when leaving the kitchen, by the time the food was served on the 100 Hall, temperatures had dropped. Specifically, the smoked sausage and brussel sprouts were found to be lukewarm, with temperatures below the desired threshold for hot food service. Staff interviews confirmed that the expectation was for hot foods to be delivered at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Policy reviews indicated that food should be served as soon as possible after preparation and held at a minimum of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite these guidelines, the observed food temperatures upon service did not consistently meet these standards, and the food was not always palatable or at an appetizing temperature for residents.