Cold Beverage Temperatures Exceed Safe Holding Standards
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that cold beverages served to residents were maintained at the required appetizing and safe temperatures. During a tray line observation, the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) measured the temperatures of various juices, including cranberry juice, orange juice, and a mixed juice, and found them to be between 42.6 and 43.8 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures exceeded the facility's policy requirement that cold Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below. The CDM acknowledged that the beverages were not at the appropriate temperature prior to being served to residents, despite being placed in a bucket of ice for cooling. All 45 residents in the facility consumed food and beverages prepared in the kitchen, according to the Diet Type Report.