Failure to Serve Food at Safe and Palatable Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that the facility failed to maintain food items served to residents at palatable and hot temperatures, as required by policy. Multiple residents reported receiving cold food, particularly at breakfast, and observations confirmed that food was left uncovered and unattended for extended periods before being served. For example, one resident's meal was left on a table for at least 25 minutes before being delivered to her room, at which point the food temperatures were measured and found to be below the facility's required standard of 120 degrees Fahrenheit for hot foods. Staff interviews confirmed that complaints about cold food were common, and staff often had to reheat meals or replace trays after residents reported the issue. The residents affected had significant medical histories, including multiple sclerosis, malnutrition, pressure ulcers, diabetes, and cancer, and some were at risk for impaired nutrition and hydration. Despite these vulnerabilities, food was not consistently served at safe and appetizing temperatures. Staff acknowledged the recurring problem of cold food, with several CNAs and an LPN stating that residents frequently complained about the temperature of their meals. The facility's own policy required hot food to be served at 120 degrees or higher and cold food at 50 degrees or lower, but these standards were not met during the survey period.