Failure to Serve Meals at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that meals were prepared and served at safe and appetizing temperatures, as required by both facility policy and state regulations. Observations and interviews revealed that hot food items, such as eggs, sausage, omelets, waffles, grits, and oatmeal, were frequently below the required 135 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of service. Food temperature checks conducted by dietary staff showed that several items were initially served at temperatures well below the standard, necessitating reheating. Despite reheating, some items still did not reach the appropriate temperature before being delivered to residents. Additionally, sampled trays retrieved from food carts on various floors were found to be below professional guidelines for hot food temperatures. Equipment issues, such as missing or malfunctioning plate warmers and steam tables that did not maintain proper temperatures, were also observed. Resident and staff interviews corroborated these findings, with residents reporting that food was often cold, especially on weekends, and sometimes not covered during delivery. Dietary staff described challenges with maintaining food temperatures due to equipment problems and inconsistent practices in food delivery and reheating. Staff also noted that some nursing staff did not reheat or return cold food to the kitchen, further contributing to the issue. Facility records and inspection reports confirmed noncompliance with food temperature and handling standards, affecting the majority of residents receiving oral diets.