Failure to Serve Food at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide food items at safe and appetizing temperatures, as evidenced by observations, interviews, and record reviews. Five sampled residents consistently reported receiving food that should have been hot at service but was instead served cold, both in the dining room and in their rooms. This issue was repeatedly raised during Resident Council meetings over several months, with no documented follow-up or resolution. The facility's own policy required staff to monitor and maintain proper food temperatures, but no policy specific to food temperatures was provided upon request. Direct observations on multiple occasions showed that meals were served without the use of plate warmers, and food temperatures taken at the time of service were well below recommended hot holding standards. For example, main dishes and sides were recorded at temperatures ranging from 80.0 to 106.0 degrees Fahrenheit, and ice cream was observed to be partially melted. Additionally, temperature logs for several days in November were missing, indicating a lack of consistent monitoring and documentation by dietary staff. Interviews with residents, staff, and administration confirmed ongoing complaints about cold food, with residents expressing dissatisfaction regardless of where they ate. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness about proper food temperatures and responsibilities, and administration was unaware of missing temperature logs. Despite the installation of new equipment, there was no evidence of effective interventions to address the persistent problem of serving food at improper temperatures.