Failure to Provide Palatable, Safe, and Properly Prepared Food and Drink
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to ensure food and drink were palatable, attractive, and served at safe and appetizing temperatures for the majority of residents reviewed. Multiple residents reported that meals were inedible, cold, and not what they ordered, with specific complaints about tough meat, undercooked vegetables, and warm drinks. Observations during meal service confirmed these issues, with food items such as chicken being dry, rice being unappetizing, and beverages like juice and milk being served at temperatures above recommended levels. Additionally, expired milk was found on a resident's tray, and several residents received food that was difficult to chew or cut, including hard vegetables and tough meat. Interviews with residents and staff further substantiated these findings. Residents consistently voiced dissatisfaction with the quality, temperature, and palatability of the food, noting that their meal preferences were often not honored and that the food lacked taste and variety. Staff interviews revealed that complaints had increased following recent changes in food service, with reports that food trays were not delivered in a timely manner, contributing to temperature issues. The Food Service Director acknowledged concerns about food temperature and delivery, while the Clinical Nutrition Manager confirmed ongoing complaints about food being under or overcooked. Facility policies required the provision of palatable food, appropriate food substitutes, and safe storage of food and beverages, including monitoring refrigerator temperatures. However, the survey found that these policies were not consistently followed, as evidenced by the serving of expired and improperly stored milk, and the lack of timely food delivery. The failure to meet these standards resulted in widespread resident dissatisfaction and noncompliance with regulatory requirements for food service.