Failure to Serve Food at Palatable and Safe Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was served at palatable and safe temperatures, as evidenced by missing food temperature records on multiple dates between January and May. A review of the temperature logs revealed numerous instances where required food temperatures were not recorded for various meals, including breakfast, lunch, and supper. The Certified Dietary Manager acknowledged the gaps in documentation, attributing them to staff turnover and workload issues. The Administrator confirmed that food temperatures were not taken on the identified dates. Resident interviews further substantiated the deficiency, with several residents reporting that their meals were frequently served cold or only barely warm. One resident specifically mentioned that biscuits and gravy were not hot, while another stated that the food was cold all the time except for a cheeseburger. These findings indicate that the failure to consistently monitor and document food temperatures resulted in residents receiving meals that were not at an appetizing or safe temperature.