Failure to Serve Coffee at Palatable Temperature
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide coffee at a palatable and appealing temperature, as required by its Food and Nutrition Services Meal Assessment policy, which specifies that coffee should be served at 135°F or above. During an interview, a resident reported that the coffee is never served hot. A test tray conducted after lunch service confirmed that the coffee temperature was 110°F, which was not considered palatable or appealing. The Food Service Director acknowledged that coffee should be poured and lidded shortly before meal service to maintain the required temperature, but indicated that the coffee was likely poured too early on the day in question. The Nursing Home Administrator stated that she expects coffee to be served at a palatable and appealing temperature.