Unpalatable and Overseasoned Vegetables Served to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a palatable vegetable during one observed meal, as evidenced by the serving of a California mix vegetable dish that was primarily broccoli, which was soft, mushy, and heavily seasoned with black pepper. Staff interviews revealed that the cook did not follow a measured recipe for seasoning, instead sprinkling and tasting the seasoning blend, which may have resulted in uneven distribution and excessive spice. The dietician confirmed that spices should not have been added unless specified, and the dietary manager acknowledged the difficulty in maintaining proper broccoli texture, noting the possibility of over-seasoning. Resident interviews and observations further supported the deficiency, with one resident requesting additional salt and commenting that the food was already too peppered, while another resident reported the food was often undercooked or overcooked and left the broccoli casserole uneaten due to its mushy appearance. The facility's policy requires that residents receive a nourishing, palatable, and well-balanced diet, but the observed meal did not meet these standards, as confirmed by both staff and resident feedback.