Unpalatable and Improperly Served Food Provided to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide residents with food that was appealing, palatable, and served at a safe and appetizing temperature. Observations and interviews revealed that one resident with multiple diagnoses, including vascular dementia and heart failure, received a mechanical soft meal that was cold, tasted unpleasant, and contained a gnat. The resident confirmed the food was consistently cold and unpalatable. An LPN also confirmed the meal was unappealing and contaminated. Another resident, cognitively intact and requiring set-up assistance, reported dissatisfaction with the food, stating it was unappealing and never served at the correct temperature, attributing this to food trays sitting on carts for extended periods before distribution. Further observations in the kitchen showed improper preparation of mechanical soft and pureed foods, with dietary staff not following recipes and instead relying on estimation. The mechanical soft fish was prepared into an unappealing lump, and the dietary staff themselves stated they would not eat it. The broccoli was prepared with excessive water and thickener to achieve a mashed potato texture. A test tray left the kitchen and sat for 20 minutes before being served, resulting in cold, chewy, and unappetizing food items, including fish, broccoli, rice casserole, and cake. The dietary manager confirmed the test tray was unappealing, with cold and chewy food and dry, hard cake.