Failure to Serve Palatable and Appropriately Tempered Food
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to consistently serve food that was palatable, attractive, and at appropriate temperatures, as required by its own policy. The policy specified that hot food should be held at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above and cold food at 41 degrees or below until served. However, observations and interviews revealed that food was often served lukewarm or cold, and residents reported dissatisfaction with the taste and temperature of their meals. Multiple residents stated that hot food was not always warm, meat was dry and tasteless, and food sometimes did not taste good. Resident council minutes from two consecutive months also documented complaints about meals being lukewarm or not hot enough, especially for those receiving room tray service. Surveyors observed delays in meal tray delivery, with carts sitting in the hallway for several minutes before trays were distributed. During one observation, a meal cart sat for six minutes before delivery began, and in another, the cart door was left open while waiting for an alternate meal to be prepared, further compromising food temperature. A test tray evaluated by surveyors after all trays were delivered showed that all hot food items were served at temperatures well below the required 135 degrees Fahrenheit, and a cold dessert was served above the required 41 degrees, resulting in unpalatable food temperatures and poor food quality. Staff interviews confirmed awareness of the issues, with the dietary manager acknowledging resident complaints about food temperature and quality, and noting that delays in tray delivery contributed to the problem. The director of nursing stated that timely delivery of trays was necessary to maintain appropriate food temperatures. The registered dietitian also noted that food not served warm would not be as appetizing. These findings demonstrate a failure to ensure that food was consistently served at safe and appetizing temperatures, as required by facility policy.