Failure to Serve Food and Beverages at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
During a complaint investigation, it was found that the facility did not ensure food and beverages were served at safe and appetizing temperatures, as required by facility policy and regulatory guidelines. Observations during lunch service revealed that while hot food items initially measured above 140°F at the start of tray line service, by the time meals were served to residents, temperatures had dropped significantly. Test tray measurements showed hot foods such as a carrot vegetable blend and chicken with biscuit and gravy were served at 118°F and 115°F, respectively, and beverages like cranberry juice and milk were served at 64.2°F and 56.5°F, all of which are outside the recommended safe temperature ranges. Multiple residents reported that their meals were lukewarm or barely warm, and drinks were not cold, with some describing the food as barely edible or suboptimal in quality. Interviews with the Food Service Director and Administrator confirmed that the observed food and beverage temperatures did not meet the facility's standards or regulatory requirements, which specify that hot foods should be served above 140°F and cold beverages below 41°F. The Food Service Director acknowledged that the test tray temperatures were not acceptable and that foods outside these ranges are considered to be in the danger zone, where bacteria can grow. The deficiency was observed to affect several residents, who consistently reported dissatisfaction with the temperature and palatability of their meals during the investigation.