Failure to Serve Meals at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents consistently received food that was palatable, attractive, and served at a safe and appetizing temperature. Multiple residents reported that their meals, including breakfast and lunch, were frequently served cold or lukewarm. Observations by surveyors confirmed that food trays were sometimes left on open pushcarts without insulation for extended periods before being served, resulting in significant drops in food temperature. Test trays prepared and served during the survey were found to have food items at temperatures below recommended levels, with items such as scrambled eggs and potatoes being lukewarm or barely warm. Residents repeatedly voiced concerns about cold food during food committee meetings and resident council meetings, and these concerns were corroborated by the Ombudsman. The surveyor observed that the facility used both enclosed meal trucks and open pushcarts for meal delivery, with the latter failing to maintain food temperature. Staff were seen reconciling meal tickets on the units, which delayed the delivery of trays and further contributed to food cooling. Despite ongoing resident complaints and acknowledgment by the Food Service Director that some food items were not warm enough, the issue persisted over multiple days and meals. The Administrator was unaware that open pushcarts were being used regularly for meal service, indicating a lack of oversight in meal delivery practices.