Failure to Follow Pureed Diet Recipes During Meal Preparation
Penalty
Summary
During an observed mealtime preparation, a staff member in the kitchen failed to follow the facility's recipe for preparing pureed breaded chicken breast. Instead of using the specified amount of water and chicken base to create a broth as outlined in the recipe, the staff member added only approximately one tablespoon of water to the chicken breast and blended it. The resulting mixture was of ground meat consistency and not smooth, as required for pureed diets. The staff member acknowledged not following the recipe as written, despite having reviewed it. Additionally, the same staff member prepared pureed mixed vegetables by blending them until smooth, but the final product contained small lumps. The Dietary Manager confirmed that there was no recipe for pureed mixed vegetables and that cooks were expected to follow recipes to ensure proper nutrition. The Dietary Manager and the Administrator both acknowledged the expectation that recipes be followed and were unsure why this did not occur.