Failure to Follow Menu Portion Sizes for Protein in Sandwich Preparation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow the prescribed menu and recipe portion sizes for croissant sandwiches, as observed during meal preparation. Specifically, a staff member prepared sandwiches using two slices of pre-sliced ham and one slice of pre-sliced cheese, which, when weighed by the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), amounted to less than half of the required three-ounce protein portion specified in the menu and recipe. The staff member did not consult the written recipe, relying instead on memory from previous preparations, and was unaware that the pre-sliced items did not meet the required weight per portion. The CDM confirmed that the staff member did not check the recipe and emphasized the importance of following standardized recipes to ensure consistent nutrient provision for all residents, particularly those with nutritional challenges. The facility's policy on standardized recipes requires the use of recipes to maintain consistency in nutrient amounts per portion and assigns responsibility to the Food Service Manager to monitor compliance. This deficiency had the potential to affect 263 residents who consumed meals at the facility.