Failure to Serve Meals at Safe and Palatable Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that resident meals were served at appropriate and safe temperatures, as evidenced by multiple resident interviews and direct observations. Several cognitively intact residents reported that their food was consistently cold, unidentifiable, or unappetizing in temperature, texture, and flavor. These concerns were substantiated by temperature checks conducted during meal service, which revealed that hot foods such as roast beef, mashed potatoes, sausage patties, and biscuits were served below the facility's preferred standard of 120 degrees for palatability, with some items measured as low as 96 degrees. Staff interviews revealed a lack of consistent knowledge regarding safe food temperatures. One cook believed that food on the steam table needed to be at least 145 degrees, but was unsure of the required temperature at the point of service to residents. Another staff member stated that food should be maintained at 135 degrees on the steamer, but that palatability depended on resident preference. Both staff acknowledged that food sometimes became cold before reaching residents, and that residents could request a new tray if dissatisfied with the temperature. Review of the facility's in-room dining policy indicated a preference for hot foods to be served at 120 degrees or more for palatability, with procedures for checking temperatures at the point of service and offering meal substitutions if concerns were raised. Despite these policies, observations and interviews demonstrated that the facility did not consistently meet its own standards for food temperature, resulting in residents receiving meals that were not at safe or appetizing temperatures.