Failure to Serve Palatable Food at Safe Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food and drink were served at safe, appetizing temperatures and were palatable, as required by both FDA guidelines and facility policy. Multiple residents who received meals in their rooms reported that their food was consistently cold and, in some cases, not palatable. Staff interviews confirmed that food delivered to resident rooms was typically at room temperature. During observation, a test tray revealed that hot foods, such as a fish sandwich, carrots, and green beans, were served below the recommended temperature of 140°F, with readings of 123°F, 110°F, and 108°F, respectively. The milk was also served above the safe cold temperature, at 53°F, and Jell-O was observed to be in a liquid state rather than properly set. The fish sandwich was described as cold, mushy, and overwhelmingly salty, making it unpalatable. Residents and staff consistently reported complaints regarding both the temperature and palatability of the food. The Dietary Manager acknowledged these concerns and verified the issues with the food's temperature and quality during the survey. The facility's own policy requires that residents receive nourishing, palatable, and well-balanced diets that meet their needs and preferences, but this standard was not met for several residents, with the potential to affect nearly all residents receiving meals from the kitchen.