Failure to Provide Palatable and Appetizing Meals
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide residents with food that was palatable in flavor, as required. On the day of survey, a pork and rice casserole was served for lunch, but the preparation deviated from the recipe due to missing ingredients, specifically celery and lemon juice, which were not ordered and therefore omitted. The dietary staff member responsible for preparing the casserole acknowledged the lack of ingredients and stated that he was instructed by management not to add additional flavoring. The surveyor observed the casserole being prepared and later tasted it, noting that it lacked flavor, the meat was tough, and the rice was clumped together with no color. Residents reported ongoing dissatisfaction with the taste and quality of the food, expressing that their complaints were not being addressed. During a resident group meeting, several residents stated that the food often lacked flavor and that the alternate menu options were repetitive. Review of grievance logs and resident council meeting minutes over the past six months revealed multiple complaints regarding the palatability of meals, including specific negative feedback about the appearance and taste of the food served.