Failure to Serve Food at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to serve food items at appetizing and safe temperatures, as required by its own dietary policy. The policy specified that hot foods should be held at 155-170 degrees Fahrenheit at the tray line and served at 135-155 degrees Fahrenheit, while cold foods should be held at 31-41 degrees Fahrenheit and served at 33-50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, observations and temperature logs revealed that while the macaroni and cheese and stewed tomatoes were at appropriate temperatures in the kitchen (184°F and 168°F, respectively), by the time they were served to residents, their temperatures had dropped to 126.3°F and 130.8°F, which is below the facility's standard for hot food service. Multiple residents reported that their food was consistently cold and unappetizing, with one stating that the food would taste better if it was not always cold. Staff interviews confirmed that the food should have been hotter at the time of service. The deficiency was identified through review of facility policies, food production logs, direct observation of food service, and interviews with residents and staff.