Failure to Serve Palatable Food at Safe Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide palatable food products at safe and appetizing temperatures for residents, as evidenced by observations and temperature recordings of meal trays. During lunch service, food trays were transported in a non-insulated cart, and upon arrival, the temperatures of several hot food items, including pork loin, fried item, snap peas, and egg roll, were found to be below the required 135°F as specified by the 2022 FDA Model Food Code. The beverage was served at 42.1°F, and the dessert was at room temperature. These findings were based on direct observation and temperature measurement of a resident's meal tray. Interviews with the Director of Food and Beverage confirmed the meal service times and the use of the non-insulated transport cart. Review of facility policies revealed that food and nutrition services staff are expected to ensure meals are palatable, attractive, and served at safe temperatures, with procedures in place for reporting and replacing meals that do not meet these standards. Despite these policies, the observed practices did not align with the stated guidelines, resulting in the provision of food that was not maintained at appropriate temperatures for 103 residents who consume food products.