Failure to Follow Menu Recipes and Portion Sizes for Therapeutic Diets
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow its established menus and standardized recipes, resulting in food items not meeting the nutritional needs and preferences of residents. Specifically, the garlic buttered rice served did not have the required garlic flavor because the recipe was not followed, as confirmed by both observation and the Dietary Supervisor. The facility's policies and procedures require that menus and recipes be followed to ensure meals are flavorful and meet residents' nutritional, cultural, and personal preferences. However, the garlic buttered rice was prepared without the specified amount of garlic, leading to a bland product that could cause dissatisfaction and decreased food intake among residents. Additionally, the facility did not adhere to prescribed portion sizes for residents on small and large portion diets. Instead of serving two ounces for small portions and four ounces for large portions of braised pork shoulder, three ounces were served regardless of the diet order. This was confirmed through observation and staff interviews, where it was acknowledged that portion sizes were not being adjusted according to the dietary spreadsheet or residents' specific needs. The facility's policies and diet manual require that portion sizes be tailored to individual dietary orders, with small and large portions provided only with a physician or healthcare provider's order. Failure to follow these orders resulted in residents not receiving the appropriate amount of food as prescribed.