Failure to Serve Food and Drink at Safe and Palatable Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food and drink served to residents were palatable and maintained at safe, appetizing temperatures, as required by facility policy and professional food safety standards. During surveyor observations, two test trays were served with milk at temperatures above the recommended maximum of 41°F, specifically at 53.2°F and 48°F, which placed the milk in the temperature danger zone. The milk was also noted to taste warm. The food items were served after all other trays had been distributed, and while plates were covered, no plate warmers or ice were used to maintain appropriate temperatures for hot or cold items. Interviews with the Dietary Manager revealed a misunderstanding of the correct temperature range for cold foods, as she stated that cold foods should be served between 40°F and 55°F, rather than the required 41°F or less. The facility's own policies referenced the need to keep refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods at 41°F or less, and to distribute and serve foods in a manner that maintains proper temperatures and prevents contamination. Despite these policies, the observed practices did not align with the stated requirements, resulting in the deficiency.