Failure to Serve Food and Drink at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident received food and drink at safe and appetizing temperatures. During an interview, the resident reported that their food was always cold and drinks were always warm. Observation and temperature checks of the resident's lunch tray confirmed that the taco casserole was served at 115°F, mixed vegetables at 102°F, and cranberry juice at 60°F. These temperatures were below the recommended safe holding temperature for hot foods and above the recommended temperature for cold drinks. The Registered Dietitian confirmed that the food items were within the 'danger zone' for food safety, which is between 40°F and 140°F, a range that allows for rapid bacterial growth. The failure to provide food and drink at appropriate temperatures had the potential to make the food unpalatable and could negatively affect the resident's nutritional intake, as directly stated by the resident and observed by staff.