Failure to Maintain Safe and Palatable Food Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that hot foods were served hot and cold foods and beverages were served cold during multiple meal services. Observations revealed that food trays were placed in unheated food carts, and the cart doors were left open while loading, which contributed to a drop in food temperatures. Temperature checks conducted immediately after meal service on several units showed that hot foods were consistently below the expected 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and cold items such as milk and pudding were above the recommended cold holding temperatures. Staff interviews confirmed a lack of awareness regarding the importance of keeping food cart doors closed to maintain proper food temperatures. Residents reported dissatisfaction with the temperature of their meals, with several stating that their food was often cold, particularly when eating in their rooms. During group interviews, some residents confirmed that their breakfasts were sometimes served cold. These resident statements were consistent with the temperature readings obtained during the survey, which documented multiple instances of both hot and cold foods being served outside of safe and appetizing temperature ranges. Staff interviews further revealed gaps in knowledge and practice. One LPN admitted to not knowing that the food cart should remain closed while loading trays, only learning this from the Dietary Manager after the fact. The Dietary Manager confirmed that the cart doors should be kept closed to retain proper temperatures and noted that unheated plates and prolonged tray loading times could further impact food temperature. These actions and inactions directly contributed to the deficiency in maintaining palatable and safe food temperatures for residents.