Failure to Maintain Palatable and Safe Food Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food served to residents was palatable and maintained at appropriate temperatures, as required by facility policy. Resident council meeting records indicated ongoing dissatisfaction with the quality of food, specifically noting repetitive menus, dry meat, and lack of seasoning, with no resolution documented. Interviews with residents revealed that breakfast was consistently served cold, leading at least one resident to stop eating breakfast altogether, despite reporting the issue to CNAs. Another resident reported that food was frequently cold by the time trays were delivered, and although she continued to eat due to hunger, she preferred warmer meals. Observations confirmed that while food temperatures were within acceptable ranges when initially measured in the kitchen, significant drops occurred during tray transport and distribution. By the time the last tray was served, food temperatures had fallen well below the required 135 degrees Fahrenheit, with sausage patties at 101 degrees and waffles at 88 degrees. Test trays were found to be lukewarm, dry, and unappetizing. The Dietary Manager acknowledged the issue, noting that plate warmers were not being used due to safety concerns and that necessary protective gloves had not been procured. The facility's policy mandates that hot foods remain above 135 degrees Fahrenheit during holding and plating, a standard that was not met during the survey.