Failure to Provide Palatable and Properly Tempered Food
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to provide appetizing and palatable food at safe and appetizing temperatures to several residents. Multiple residents reported that their meals were served lukewarm or only warm, rather than hot, and observations confirmed that plates were cool to the touch and lacked heated plate warmers. Residents described the food as overcooked, dry, or difficult to chew, with specific complaints about sausage patties, salmon, and macaroni salad. Test tray observations further revealed issues such as dry salmon, bland soup, overcooked and lukewarm asparagus, and macaroni salad with an unappealing taste. Additionally, a grievance was documented regarding a foreign object (bread tie) found in a sandwich. Resident council meeting minutes indicated that the kitchen was aware of temperature issues and was working on acquiring temperature-controlled carts, but at the time of the survey, these issues persisted. The facility administrator was unaware of the food concerns raised by residents and the lack of palatable meals. The findings were based on interviews, direct observations, and review of resident council minutes and grievances, demonstrating a pattern of inadequate food quality and temperature control for multiple residents.