Failure to Consistently Temperature-Test Pureed Meals
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that pureed meals were consistently temperature-tested for four residents who required pureed diets. During an observation, dietary staff was seen checking the temperature of pureed broccoli, which registered at 130°F. A staff member acknowledged that the food was below the required temperature and indicated that she would reheat it. Interviews confirmed that on multiple occasions, food was not at the appropriate temperature before being served. A review of food temperature logs for December revealed that there were numerous days when no temperature records were documented for breakfast, lunch, or dinner pureed meals, despite four residents being on pureed diets during those times. The facility's policy on safe food handling, which aims to reduce the risk of foodborne illness, was not followed as evidenced by the lack of temperature documentation and inconsistent temperature checks for pureed meals.