Failure to Serve Food at Palatable Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to serve food at palatable and appetizing temperatures across all four units, as evidenced by observations, policy review, resident council meeting minutes, and multiple resident and staff interviews. Residents consistently reported receiving cold food, with some stating that trays were set down before they could eat, resulting in the food cooling further. Several residents expressed reluctance to request reheating due to staff shortages or infection control restrictions. Resident council meeting minutes over several months documented ongoing complaints about cold food, with residents requesting solutions such as hot plates and staff education. Observations revealed that dietary staff did not consistently monitor or record food temperatures before serving, and there was a lack of education regarding when and how to take food temperatures. Dietary aides transported food on open carts and failed to use proper temperature monitoring practices, while dietary managers acknowledged that test tray quality assurance checks regarding food temperature and palatability had not been completed. These actions and inactions led to the deficiency of not providing food at safe and appetizing temperatures for residents.