Failure to Prepare Pureed Food to Correct Consistency and Follow Menu
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that pureed food was prepared to the correct consistency and that the menu was followed for four residents on pureed diets. During meal preparation, dietary staff blended chicken with an excessive amount of gravy, resulting in a mixture that was overly thin and contained chunks of chicken. Staff acknowledged the presence of lumps and attempted to re-blend the mixture. Observations showed that the pureed food did not hold its shape and spread out on the plate, which was confirmed by the kitchen manager as not meeting the required standard for pureed foods. Interviews with dietary staff and the diet technician revealed ongoing concerns about the consistency and quality of pureed foods, including reports of chunkiness, incorrect texture, and failure to follow standard recipes. Recipe review indicated that thinning agents should be added in tablespoon measurements, but staff used much larger quantities. Diet tech audits from previous and current dates noted that nutrition recommendations were not addressed, standard recipes were not followed, and pureed food was unappealing, cold, and not made to proper consistency.