Failure to Serve Food at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to serve food items at appetizing and safe temperatures, as required by its own policy and state regulations. The policy specified that hot foods must be held and served at a minimum of 135 degrees Fahrenheit, and cold foods at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below, with temperatures to be recorded prior to each meal service. During lunch meal service observation, a test tray delivered to a resident's room at the end of the hallway was found to have food and drink items below the required temperatures: the soda was 51.5°F, the chicken was 131.5°F, the carrots were 125.4°F, and the potatoes were 133.8°F. These items were confirmed by the Dietary Director to be not at appetizing temperatures. A resident interviewed reported that meals were often cold upon arrival, particularly as their room was one of the last to receive trays. Additionally, a resident council meeting with approximately ten residents revealed similar complaints, with residents stating that food took too long to arrive and was often cold. These findings were corroborated by direct observation and staff interviews, demonstrating a pattern of delayed meal delivery resulting in food not being served at appropriate temperatures.