Failure to Serve Food and Beverages at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide food and beverages at appetizing and safe temperatures, as evidenced by multiple sources including food committee meeting minutes, grievance logs, resident and staff interviews, and direct observation. Residents reported that vegetables were served cold, tea and coffee were not hot enough, and food temperatures were inconsistent, sometimes requiring staff to reheat meals. One resident specifically filed a grievance about the temperature of her tea, and several others confirmed during a group meeting that both food and coffee were often not served hot. During an interview, a resident also stated that his food was not always served hot. Observation of meal tray line service revealed that both hot and cold beverages were served in the same type of mug, and a test tray showed that creamed corn and coffee were served at 115°F, below the expected standard of above 135°F for hot foods and beverages. Iced tea was served in a hot beverage mug, was only half full, and measured 57°F, above the expected standard of below 50°F for cold beverages. The Dietary Manager acknowledged uncertainty about the use of mugs for both hot and cold drinks and confirmed that the process had not changed since her employment. The Nursing Home Administrator was made aware of the concerns regarding food and beverage temperatures and the inappropriate service ware for cold beverages.