Failure to Serve Palatable and Appropriately Tempered Meals
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appetizing and palatable meals to three residents, as evidenced by multiple observations and interviews. Meal temperatures were initially within guidelines when checked prior to service, but significant delays occurred between meal preparation and actual serving. For example, meal trays were prepared and placed in carts, but were not served to residents until 17 minutes later. When meals were finally served, test trays and resident meals were found to be below appropriate serving temperatures, with hot foods such as chicken fried steak and green beans served cold or lukewarm, and cold items like milk and pineapple above the recommended cold temperature. Residents reported dissatisfaction, describing their meals as cold, not appetizing, and not tasty. Staff interviews confirmed the issue, with dietary and administrative staff acknowledging that meals were not at the correct temperatures and that delays in meal service contributed to the problem. The facility's own policy required prompt notification and delivery of meals, but this was not consistently followed, resulting in residents receiving food that was not palatable or at a safe and appetizing temperature.