Failure to Provide Palatable and Properly Prepared Food
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide palatable, attractive, and appropriately prepared food for 12 of 14 residents reviewed. Multiple residents, all cognitively intact, reported dissatisfaction with the quality, taste, and variety of the food served. Specific complaints included repetitive menus, poor taste, lack of seasoning, and food being served cold or in small portions. During a resident council meeting, several residents agreed that the food quality had declined, possibly due to a change in suppliers. Direct observation of a test tray revealed unappetizing presentation, overcooked noodles with a slimy texture, and missing components such as cheese on the chicken parmesan. Residents with significant medical histories, including hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes, malnutrition, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, reported issues such as spoiled-smelling meat, tough and inedible meat, soggy and flavorless food, and insufficient portion sizes. One resident noted weight loss since admission, attributing it to inadequate food portions. Another resident stated that the food was often cold and tasted bad. These findings were based on interviews, record reviews, and direct meal observations.