Failure to Maintain Safe and Palatable Food Temperatures During Meal Service
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that meals were served at appropriate and safe temperatures, as required by food safety standards. During meal service, observations revealed that hot foods such as baked chicken and mixed vegetables were served below the required 135°F, with temperatures recorded at 126.1°F and 118°F, respectively. These findings were confirmed by the Dietary Manager. Additionally, a resident reported not receiving their preferred beverages, such as milk and apple juice, which were ordered but not provided with the meal. Another resident's family member reported that food often arrived cold to the room. Residents expressed ongoing dissatisfaction with the temperature of meals during a resident council meeting, stating that food frequently arrived cold due to delivery delays. The facility's policy requires potentially hazardous foods to be maintained above 135°F or below 41°F, but observations and resident interviews indicated that this standard was not consistently met. The issue affected at least two residents directly and had the potential to impact the majority of residents in the facility.