Failure to Follow RD-Approved Menus and Recipes During Meal Preparation
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to follow the approved menu and recipes for meal preparation in one of three cottages, specifically during the preparation of an Italian Tossed Salad. Observations revealed that the cook did not use the recipe approved by the Registered Dietitian (RD) and omitted required ingredients such as red onion and parmesan cheese, instead only including lettuce and cucumber. The cook stated that menus were hardly ever used and that kitchen staff altered the salad based on resident preferences without following the proper process for menu changes. The Culinary Director (CD) and RD both confirmed that not following the RD-approved recipes prevents confirmation of proper nutrition and alters the nutritional value of the dish. The deficiency was identified through record reviews, staff interviews, and direct observation, affecting one cottage with 13 residents receiving food from that kitchen. The RD was unaware that recipes were not being followed and confirmed that any menu changes should be approved through the RD. The facility's policy requires that all food items be prepared using methods and recipes that conserve nutritional value and support the current menu, but this was not adhered to during the observed meal preparation.