Unappetizing and Unpalatable Pureed Meals Served to Residents
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that the facility failed to ensure that residents on pureed diets received appetizing and flavorful meals. One resident, who required a pureed diet, repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the taste and appearance of his meals, stating he could not eat most of the food provided. Observations revealed that his trays often contained unidentifiable or unappetizing items, such as pureed pancakes and eggs with an unpleasant taste and consistency. Surveyors and the facility administrator sampled the pureed eggs and found them to be milky white, with a thin pudding-like consistency and an unpleasant, watery, powdery taste. Pureed chicken nuggets and carrots were also sampled and found to be very thick, sticking to the roof of the mouth, and unpalatable. The facility's dietician acknowledged that kitchen staff should be following recipes, but the meals served did not meet the guidelines for palatability and appetizing presentation. The deficiency affected at least four residents on pureed diets, including those with cognitive impairments who could not be interviewed. The facility's own guidelines require food to be prepared and served in a manner that is both safe and appetizing, but observations and interviews confirmed that this standard was not met for residents receiving pureed meals.