Failure to Accurately Document Food Temperatures in Dietary Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain complete and accurate food temperature records in accordance with accepted professional standards. Specifically, temperatures were not taken or logged for breakfast and lunch meals on one day, for all meals on another day, and for breakfast milk or juices over a week-long period. Observations confirmed that temperature checks were performed before one lunch meal service, but interviews with dietary staff revealed that temperature checks were missed on multiple occasions. Staff acknowledged that the dietary supervisor was aware of blanks in the temperature log, and that some staff were not trained to check temperatures or forgot to do so due to workload. Record reviews corroborated the missing temperature documentation, showing blanks in the temperature log for specific dates and meal types. The FDA Food Code was referenced, indicating the required temperature controls for food safety. Interviews with the DON and ADM confirmed their expectation that missed temperature checks should be reported and acknowledged the importance of these checks for resident safety. There were no reported incidents of foodborne illness related to these deficiencies at the time of the survey.