Failure to Prepare Pureed Diets to Required Consistency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that pureed diets were prepared according to the established recipe for three residents who required a pureed diet. During meal preparation, staff placed six servings of cooked chicken in a food processor, added some chicken broth, and blended the mixture, but did not check the consistency before serving. Upon inspection, the pureed lemon herb chicken served was found to be crumbly, not smooth or lump-free, and did not resemble the required pudding-like consistency. The Dietary Services Supervisor confirmed that the consistency was not appropriate for a pureed diet. A review of the facility's recipe and dietary guidelines indicated that pureed foods should be processed to a fine texture and mixed with a slurry to achieve a smooth, lump-free, pudding-like consistency, suitable for residents with dysphagia who require no biting or chewing. The Registered Dietician confirmed that the recipe was not followed for the residents on a pureed diet. The deficiency was identified through observation, interview, and record review, specifically affecting three medically compromised residents who were prescribed a pureed diet.