Failure to Provide Palatable and Properly Tempered Food and Drink
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food and drink provided to residents was palatable, attractive, and maintained at a safe and appetizing temperature. Multiple residents reported dissatisfaction with the taste and temperature of their meals. One resident stated that the food was not pleasant to the taste and that items she did not consume were brought to her, with food temperatures being inadequate. Another resident reported that her food was often cold and required reheating in the microwave, while a third resident also noted that the temperature of her food was not adequate most of the time. Additionally, a fourth resident described receiving cold boiled eggs for breakfast and chose to eat only one to avoid going hungry, expressing reluctance to have the eggs reheated due to concerns about changes in texture and flavor. A test tray evaluation revealed that several food items were not within the recommended temperature ranges, with meatballs measured at 118.3°F, spaghetti at 132.6°F, salad at 57.9°F, fruit cocktail at 45.5°F, fruit juice at 51.2°F, and milk at 49.5°F. The facility's policy requires that food temperatures on the serving line be maintained outside the danger zone of 41°F to 135°F. These findings, based on resident interviews, direct observation, and policy review, demonstrate that the facility did not consistently provide food and drink at safe and appetizing temperatures for residents.