Failure to Provide Palatable and Properly Tempered Food
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide food and drink that was palatable, attractive, and served at a safe and appetizing temperature, as evidenced by multiple grievances and direct observations. On one occasion, cold grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup were served during dinner, and in the months of August and September, the dietary department received 28 grievances regarding cold and overcooked food. Resident interviews and council meeting minutes confirmed ongoing dissatisfaction with food temperature, quality, and failure to honor meal preferences, such as repeated serving of unwanted items and incorrect meal tickets. A resident with multiple medical conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes, GERD, hypertension, gout, and anxiety disorder, experienced increased episodes of diarrhea and acid reflux, which she attributed to the food served. Her care plan required staff to alert medical providers and offer alternatives if she was unable to consume her diet, but she reported that her preferences were not followed, and her requests were ignored. Documentation showed that she received meals with items she specifically requested to avoid, and her complaints were not adequately addressed by dietary staff. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of consistent food temperature checks and failure to read meal tickets, resulting in repeated errors. The dietary manager acknowledged receiving numerous grievances, some of which she considered valid, and admitted that some staff worked without proper food handler certification. The facility's grievance logs and resident council minutes corroborated the frequency and nature of complaints, including cold, overcooked food and disregard for resident preferences. Staff interviews further confirmed that complaints about food quality and temperature were common and ongoing.