Failure to Serve Room Trays at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide food at an appetizing and safe temperature to three residents who consistently received room trays. All three residents were cognitively intact and reported that their meals were often cold upon delivery to their rooms. One resident specifically noted that the facility did not use heated carts for room tray delivery and expressed concern that food sat too long before being brought to her room. Another resident stated that every meal delivered to her room was cold, while a third resident mentioned that food was sometimes served cold and she would request reheating if needed. Observation of the meal delivery process revealed that room trays were loaded onto a cart and delivered to resident rooms, with a sample tray temperature check showing that one of the food items, pepper steak, was below the facility's required minimum temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Both the kitchen manager and consulting dietitian confirmed that food should be delivered at or above 135 degrees. Facility policy also indicated that potentially hazardous foods must be maintained above 135 degrees to prevent the growth of harmful pathogens, and the administrator confirmed the expectation for food temperature compliance.