Failure to Serve Palatable and Properly Heated Potatoes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that both regular and pureed potatoes served to residents were flavorful and maintained at a palatable temperature. During a test-tray observation, the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) measured the temperature of regular diced potatoes at 100°F, which was below the facility's policy requirement of at least 120°F for hot foods. The CDM acknowledged ongoing issues with maintaining proper potato temperatures, and when tasted, the potatoes were barely warm. Additionally, both the regular and pureed potatoes were found to be bland, with the pureed version described as milky-bland and lacking flavor. The facility's policies require that hot foods be served at or above 120°F and that prepared foods be sampled to ensure satisfactory flavor, with the use of herbs and spices encouraged to enhance taste. The CDM confirmed that the potatoes did not meet these standards for temperature or flavor. These deficiencies had the potential to result in residents consuming less food and receiving inadequate nutrient intake.