Failure to Serve Palatable Food at Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide food that was palatable and served at appetizing temperatures, as evidenced by multiple grievances, resident interviews, and direct observation. Several grievances were filed by residents over a period of months, consistently reporting that food was served cold, including specific complaints about cold meals and long wait times before receiving food. During interviews, multiple residents confirmed that food was often cold by the time it reached them, with one resident stating that food service was 'lousy.' A review of the facility menu and a test tray evaluation further substantiated these concerns. During the test tray assessment, food items such as ham loaf and broccoli were found to be below the recommended serving temperature, with recorded temperatures of 123°F and 121°F, respectively, while the fruit cup was served at 66°F. The Certified Dietary Manager acknowledged that the fruit cups should have been kept refrigerated until service, rather than being left on top of the meal carts. The DON confirmed the expectation that food should be served at palatable and appetizing temperatures, but the observed practices did not meet this standard.