Failure to Serve Palatable Food at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that the facility failed to serve food that was palatable and at safe, appetizing temperatures on both units. Thirteen residents voiced dissatisfaction with the temperature and taste of the food, and during a group meeting, residents reported that cold foods were not always served cold, hot foods were not always served hot, menus were not always followed, and condiments were missing. Test trays revealed that cold items such as salad, milk, fruit cup, and juice were served at temperatures above the facility's policy limits, with salads and fruit cups being warm and unappetizing. Hot foods like pasta were served at appropriate temperatures but were described as bland and lacking expected ingredients, such as meat. Bread items were found to be too hard to chew. Additionally, salads were served on the same plate as hot pasta, causing them to become warm and wilted, and residents consistently reported dissatisfaction with the taste and temperature of their meals. Staff interviews confirmed that salads were routinely served on the same plate as hot foods, and that meat was omitted from the pasta due to lack of preparation. The Food Service Director acknowledged not thawing meat for the meal, and both the Administrator and Dietitian stated that salads and cold items should have been served separately to maintain proper temperatures. The facility's own policies require hot foods to be served hot and cold foods cold, with specific temperature guidelines for potentially hazardous foods, but these were not followed during the observed meal service.