Failure to Serve Palatable and Properly Heated Food
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was served in a palatable manner and at a safe, appetizing temperature for several residents. Multiple residents with intact cognition reported that the food did not taste good and was frequently cold when served. These concerns were echoed by five residents during a group interview and were also documented in resident council meeting minutes over several months, which noted that meals were cold and the overall quality of food needed improvement. Specific residents interviewed had medical conditions such as cellulitis, heart disease, fracture of the right lower leg, muscle weakness, spondylolisthesis, heart failure, and depressive disorder. During an observation, a breakfast tray was tested for temperature and found to be below the preferred standard, with pancakes at 105°F and turkey sausage at 103°F, while the dietary manager indicated the desired temperature was 130°F or greater. The food was served in white foam containers due to a broken dishwasher, and the dietary manager acknowledged that these containers did not maintain food temperature well. Survey team members confirmed that the food tasted cold, which negatively impacted its palatability. The administrator confirmed that the expectation was for food to meet all temperature standards.