Failure to Serve Food at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide food at appetizing and safe temperatures, as required by their Nutrition Services Policy. Observations and interviews revealed that residents who typically eat meals in their rooms often received food that was not warm. A test tray plated and delivered to a hall was found to have food items below appropriate temperatures, with pasta measured at 122.4°F and raspberry applesauce at 61°F. The pasta was described as lukewarm, though both items tasted appetizing. These findings were confirmed by the Dietary Manager, who acknowledged awareness of issues with cold food. Resident Council minutes documented complaints that CNAs only passed trays to their assigned residents, resulting in food sitting for extended periods before being served. There was no evidence of resolution to these complaints in subsequent council minutes. The Dietary Manager and Administrator confirmed that it took over 20 minutes to pass out 13 trays, and despite efforts to expedite the process, there was a lack of urgency among staff. The facility's policy required food temperatures to be maintained at acceptable levels during all stages of food handling, but this was not achieved, affecting nearly all residents except one who was not receiving food by mouth.