Failure to Serve Food and Beverages at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide food and beverages at palatable and appealing temperatures during a meal service, as evidenced by both resident interviews and direct observation. Multiple residents reported dissatisfaction with the temperature of their meals, stating that hot food was not served hot and that food was sometimes served cold. One resident also mentioned that the steam table was not always functional, which may have contributed to the issue. A test tray evaluation conducted immediately after meal service revealed that the temperatures of the hot food items (ham, green beans, and mashed sweet potatoes) were below the facility's required standard of 135 degrees Fahrenheit, with recorded temperatures of 107, 109, and 130 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. Additionally, the milk was served at 50 degrees Fahrenheit, exceeding the maximum allowable temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit for cold beverages. The kitchen supervisor attributed the inadequate temperatures to improper arrangement of pans on the steam table, which allowed heat to escape.