Failure to Serve Food at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to serve food items to residents at safe and appetizing temperatures, as required by their own policy and food safety standards. Multiple residents reported that their meals, particularly breakfast eggs and other hot foods, were consistently served cold. Observations confirmed that hot food items such as smothered chicken, stuffing, green beans, and soup were served at temperatures significantly below the required minimum of 135 degrees Fahrenheit, with recorded temperatures ranging from approximately 103 to 117 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold food items, such as ice cream, were also not maintained at appropriate temperatures, resulting in melted ice cream being served to residents. During meal service, dietary staff prepared and plated food, covering plates and placing them into insulated tray carts for delivery to various dining areas. However, the process did not maintain the required food temperatures, as evidenced by test trays measured after service, which consistently showed food items below the acceptable temperature range. Additionally, cold items like egg salad sandwiches were not consistently stored on ice, and cold salads were served at temperatures above the recommended maximum of 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Staff interviews confirmed awareness of the required temperature standards, but the observed practices did not align with these expectations. The deficiency affected a large number of residents, including those on regular and mechanical soft diets. Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the temperature of their meals, and observations showed that improper handling and storage of both hot and cold foods during meal preparation and service contributed to the failure to meet food safety and quality standards. The facility's failure to adhere to its own policies and regulatory requirements for food temperature resulted in residents receiving meals that were neither safe nor appetizing.