Failure to Serve Meals at Palatable and Safe Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain palatable and appetizing food temperatures when serving meals to residents. Observations and interviews with several alert and oriented residents revealed consistent complaints that food was being served lukewarm or cold. A family member also reported that a former resident frequently complained about cold food. During meal service observations, food carts were delivered to the dining room and resident rooms using non-insulated carts covered with plastic zippered covers. Staff were seen setting up trays and serving food without the use of plate warmers or metal heating plates, which are important for maintaining food temperature. Temperature checks of food trays revealed that hot foods, such as turkey with gravy and cornbread dressing, were served at temperatures significantly below the required holding temperature of 135°F, with some items measured as low as 50.1°F. The Dietary Manager confirmed that food temperatures are checked in the kitchen before delivery, but acknowledged that the lack of metal heating plates and insulated carts contributed to the inability to maintain appropriate temperatures during transport and service. Facility policy requires that food be served at safe and appetizing temperatures, but this standard was not met during the survey period.