Failure to Follow Standardized Recipe for Therapeutic Diets
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a cook (CK) failed to follow the standardized recipe for Szechwan pork during lunch preparation. The recipe, as reviewed, did not include the addition of salt, pepper, or extra garlic powder. However, during observation, the CK admitted to adding these ingredients, specifically stating that salt was added to enhance the flavor of the pork. The CK acknowledged that the facility recipe should be followed and recognized that adding salt could negatively impact residents, particularly those with hypertension. Interviews with the registered dietician (RD) and the director of nursing (DON) confirmed that recipes are designed to meet therapeutic dietary needs and should be strictly followed, especially for residents with specific medical conditions such as hypertension. The facility's policy also requires that menus be prepared as written using standardized recipes, and that dietary staff are responsible for adhering to these guidelines to ensure nutritional adequacy and compliance with physician orders.