Failure to Serve Meals at Safe and Palatable Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that meals were served at a safe and palatable temperature, affecting all residents who received meals except for those with NPO orders. Multiple residents reported that the food was cold, unappetizing, and sometimes insufficient in quantity. Staff interviews confirmed frequent complaints from residents regarding the temperature, quality, and portion size of the food, with some residents resorting to purchasing food from the facility cafe due to dissatisfaction with the provided meals. Observations revealed that food temperatures taken at the steam table in the kitchen were within acceptable ranges, but by the time meals were plated, placed on the meal cart, and delivered to residents, the temperatures had dropped significantly. No thermal plate liners were used during meal transport. A test tray demonstrated that food items, such as eggplant cheese lasagna and green beans, were below acceptable service temperatures for palatability when served to residents. The interim Certified Dietary Manager confirmed that these temperatures were not acceptable at the time of service.