Failure to Serve Food at Palatable and Safe Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow its own policies regarding the serving of food at palatable and safe temperatures for all six residents reviewed for dietary services. During lunch tray line service, staff served meal trays on hard plastic, non-warmed plates without using thermal bases or heated plates, and placed the trays on open-air carts. A test meal tray prepared and delivered in the same manner was found to have food temperatures of 110 degrees Fahrenheit for both pasta with meat sauce and green beans, which were described as lukewarm. The facility's policy requires hot foods to be served at temperatures not less than 125 degrees Fahrenheit and specifies the use of thermal lids, bases, and closed carts to maintain proper food temperatures. Multiple residents reported that their warm food was frequently or usually served cold, and one resident stated that food intended to be cold was sometimes served warm. The facility dietitian confirmed that dietary staff should be using heated plates, warming bases, plate covers, and closed carts to ensure food is served at appropriate temperatures, in line with facility policy. The observations, interviews, and record reviews demonstrate a consistent failure to maintain food temperatures at the point of service, resulting in food being served at temperatures below the facility's required standard.