Cold Food Items Served Above Safe Temperature Standards
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to store, prepare, and serve cold food items in accordance with professional food service safety standards. Specifically, during the evening meal service, the chicken penne pasta salad and the mechanical vegetable mixture were served at temperatures above the required 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observations showed that the chicken penne pasta salad was at 62 degrees F and the mechanical vegetable mixture was at 70 degrees F, despite being placed on ice in the steamtable. Staff interviews confirmed that these items were intended to be served cold and that the proper serving temperature should be 41 degrees F or below. The food had been prepared earlier in the afternoon and placed in the refrigerator, but did not reach the required temperature before being served. Further review of facility policy and the FDA Food Code confirmed that cold foods must be maintained at or below 41 degrees F. The Food Service Supervisor and other staff acknowledged the temperature requirements and the potential for food to go bad if not properly cooled. The deficiency was observed as the cold food items were served to residents on both regular and mechanical soft diets at temperatures above the required threshold, in direct violation of professional standards and facility policy.