Failure to Provide Palatable and Attractive Food Service
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food and drink served to residents was palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature. Over a three-month period, food council meeting minutes and resident group meeting information documented multiple complaints from residents, including reports that the food was tasteless, food trays sometimes contained hair, and concerns about whether kitchen staff used hair nets. Residents also reported that kitchen staff were rude to both residents and floor staff, and that meal orders frequently did not match the posted menu or tray slips, with items such as cereal being served without milk or vice versa. During an observation of tray line service, pureed foods were plated in an unappetizing manner, with items mixed together, and 18 residents did not receive the cherry cheesecake dessert listed on the menu, instead receiving plain pudding or an alternate dessert despite tray slips indicating the cherry dessert. These findings were confirmed in an interview with the Nursing Home Administrator and Corporate Dietary Manager.