Failure to Serve Food at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was served at an appetizing and safe temperature during meal service on one of five units. According to the facility's policy, hot foods are to be served above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. During a Resident Council meeting, multiple residents reported that their meals were often served lukewarm or cold, attributing this to delays in meal delivery and staff eating before serving residents. These concerns were corroborated by direct temperature measurements taken during meal service, which showed several food items, such as spinach, plantains, puree green beans, puree chicken, and mashed potatoes, were below the required minimum temperature. Interviews with the Food Service Director confirmed that resident complaints about food temperature had been raised in previous meetings, and the temperature readings during the survey did not meet the facility's standards. The Administrator was unaware of these ongoing concerns until the survey. The deficiency was cited under 10 NYCRR 415.14(d)(1)(2) for not maintaining food at appropriate temperatures to ensure quality and safety.