Failure to Serve Meals at Palatable Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide food at a palatable and acceptable temperature for residents, as evidenced by multiple resident interviews and direct observation. Thirteen residents reported that their meals were served cold, both in their rooms and in the dining room. Residents described the food as 'not really hot,' 'ice cold,' and 'not very edible.' During meal service, it was observed that hot food items were plated under a heating lamp, covered with metal lids, and transported on trays using a free-standing cart covered by a plastic liner. Only one insulated enclosed cart was available for a specific unit, and the facility did not use heating pellets for each plate. Temperature checks conducted by the Dietary Manager after the last meal tray was served showed that the Italian roast beef sandwich was at 104.5°F and potato wedges at 134.9°F, while the standard for palatability was stated by the facility dietitian to be between 110-120°F. The facility lacked a policy regarding the palatability of food, and staff confirmed the absence of necessary equipment to maintain appropriate food temperatures during delivery. These actions and inactions resulted in residents consistently receiving meals at temperatures below acceptable standards.