Failure to Serve Palatable Food and Drink at Safe Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide food and drink that were palatable and served at the proper temperature, as required by policy. Facility documentation review and interviews revealed that foods sent to units were not consistently maintained at or below 41°F for cold foods, as specified. During interviews, one resident stated that the food was not good, and another reported that food temperatures were often cold. Observations during a test tray with the Food Service Director showed that milk, tangerines, and apple juice were all served at temperatures significantly above the required threshold for cold foods, with milk at 59.9°F, tangerines at 70.8°F, and apple juice at 58.6°F. The Food Service Director confirmed that these items were too warm to be palatable.