Failure to Serve Food at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to serve food at an acceptable temperature to residents. Multiple residents reported that their food was consistently cold when served, both in their rooms and in common areas. Observations confirmed that food trays were placed on top of insulated tray carts rather than inside them during transport, which compromised the ability of the carts to maintain food temperature. On two separate occasions, surveyors collected trays that had been transported in this manner and found the food to be lukewarm or at room temperature. Temperature checks conducted by the dietary technician and surveyor revealed that food items such as pork, lima beans, and cabbage were served at temperatures ranging from 78 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit, which is below the standard for hot food service. Both the surveyor and the dietary technician confirmed through sampling that the food was cold. Interviews with staff and residents consistently indicated awareness of the issue, with staff acknowledging that the food temperatures were not acceptable.