Pureed Food Served with Improper Consistency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that pureed food was prepared to the appropriate consistency for residents requiring this diet. During meal preparation, a cook processed meatloaf with beef base and hot water, then asked the dietician to check the puree. The surveyor tasted the puree and found it to be chunky with bits that required chewing, indicating it was not smooth as required for a pureed diet. The dietician did not taste the puree but told the cook it was acceptable to serve. The puree was then poured into a container and placed on the steam table for serving. The surveyor later stopped the serving of the puree after observing its texture. The dietary manager subsequently confirmed the puree was grainy and not smooth, and the dietician acknowledged it needed further blending.