Unseasoned Pureed Food Served Without Palatability Consideration
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that food served on one of three observed units was palatable, as required by facility policy. During a survey, a test tray containing pureed fish, pureed broccoli, mashed potatoes, whole broccoli florets, and a whole fish fillet was sent to the unit and food temperatures were taken, all of which were within safe ranges. However, after tasting the pureed items, the dietary manager acknowledged that the pureed food lacked flavor and was not palatable. The dietary manager also confirmed that no seasoning was added to the food in the kitchen, and that only salt and pepper packets were supplied on the units for residents who were allowed them. No salt substitute was provided for residents on salt-restricted diets unless supplied by the resident's family. These findings were communicated to the administrator and director of clinical services.