Failure to Provide Palatable, Timely, and Properly Tempered Meals
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food served to residents was palatable, at a pleasing temperature, and provided in a timely manner, as evidenced by observations, interviews, and document reviews involving four residents. Residents reported that meals were often not warm, with one resident specifically stating that the food was never hot and the coffee was cold. Another resident noted that meal trays were consistently late and that there were no ready alternatives to the main entrée, requiring the culinary director to prepare an alternate protein on the spot. Additional concerns included the lack of variety in alternate meal options and inconsistent food temperatures, with some residents stating they did not request reheating when food was not at the desired temperature. Observations during meal service revealed delays in the start of meal distribution, with meals being served up to 25 minutes after the scheduled mealtime. On multiple occasions, beverages were served before the meal, and the steam table with hot food arrived late to the serving area. Documentation review showed that food temperature logs were incomplete, with no temperatures recorded for several days and missing entries for multiple meals in the preceding weeks. The culinary staff admitted to not consistently recording food temperatures as required. Interviews with the Regional Culinary Director and Registered Dietitian confirmed that food temperatures should be checked before each meal and that delays in meal service had occurred. Facility policies required meals to be served within 45 minutes of the scheduled time and for food temperatures to be monitored throughout service, but these procedures were not consistently followed. Residents also expressed concerns about the quality and quantity of meals, as well as extended wait times for food.