Deficiency in Food Quality, Palatability, and Temperature
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide food that was consistently palatable, attractive, and served at a safe and appetizing temperature for multiple residents. Nine residents reported various concerns, including repetitive and unappealing menu options, such as hot dogs being served multiple times a week, tough and hard-to-chew meats, and food that was cold or not visually appealing. One resident, who was previously vegan, noted a lack of raw fruits and vegetables and described the vegetables as overcooked, while another resident reported not receiving requested food items. Several residents described the food as bland, unappetizing, or not tasting good, with one resident stating he purchased his own food due to dissatisfaction with the facility's meals. A test tray evaluation revealed that the food served was not attractive or palatable, with undercooked rice, tough chicken, and dull-colored beets. The temperature of the food was also below recommended standards, with the chicken and rice at 112.7°F and the beets at 108.3°F. The combination of gravies and sauces on the chicken and rice was described as having conflicting flavors, further detracting from the meal's palatability. The posted menu did not match the meal served, and the dessert was store-bought pie, which was not prepared in-house. Dining Committee meeting minutes over several months documented ongoing complaints from residents about food quality, including issues with food temperature, texture, doneness, and flavor. Specific complaints included cold food, undercooked or overcooked vegetables and meats, bland taste, and inconsistencies in meal preparation. Interviews with the Registered Dietitian and Dietary Manager confirmed that food quality concerns were raised regularly, though they believed the same residents typically voiced these issues. The Administrator was unaware of the extent of food concerns, despite mechanisms in place for residents to file grievances or use a QR code to report complaints.