Failure to Maintain Safe Food and Beverage Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to monitor and maintain safe temperatures for food and beverages served to residents. On two consecutive days, a beverage cart containing milk, various juices, and ice water was positioned in the dining area without any ice or cooling device. The milk on the cart was measured at 44.5°F and 41.5°F on separate occasions, both above the facility's policy requirement of 40°F or below for cold food items. The dietary aide acknowledged that the milk was above the guideline for serving cold beverages and disposed of it each time after the temperature was checked. The facility's policy, as well as the FDA Food Code, require that milk and other temperature-controlled foods be maintained at or below 40°F and 41°F, respectively, to prevent food-borne illness. The director of nursing confirmed the expectation that food and beverages be served at proper temperatures. Temperature logs for fridges, freezers, and meals were requested by surveyors but were not provided by the facility.