Failure to Serve Food at Palatable and Safe Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to serve food items at appetizing and safe temperatures, as required by their policy and regulatory standards. According to the facility's policy, food temperatures are to be checked prior to service, with hot foods reheated if they fall below 165°F. During a breakfast meal service observation, it was noted that food trays were delivered to residents' rooms over a span of more than 20 minutes. Temperature checks of a test tray revealed that several items, including scrambled eggs, French toast, fried eggs, and milk, were not at palatable or safe temperatures. Specifically, scrambled eggs were 121.7°F, French toast was 112.6°F, fried eggs were 108°F, and milk was 56.1°F, all below the expected standards for serving. A resident who was cognitively intact and able to communicate clearly reported that the eggs tasted like plastic, indicating dissatisfaction with the food quality. Staff interviews confirmed that maintaining proper temperatures for certain items, especially eggs, during room delivery was challenging. The Dietary Supervisor and Dietary Director acknowledged that the milk, French toast, and fried eggs should have been served at palatable temperatures, but this was not achieved during the observed meal service.