Failure to Serve Food at Safe and Palatable Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was served at palatable and safe temperatures for all 108 residents receiving meals from the kitchen. Multiple residents reported that their food was never served hot, with several stating it was always cold. Observations during lunch meal service showed that while food temperatures on the tray line were above 165°F, the temperatures dropped significantly by the time food reached residents, with turkey at 112°F, mashed potatoes at 110°F, and vegetables at 71°F. The Dietary Manager confirmed that the food was lukewarm and attributed the issue to an insufficient number of warming food carts. Resident Council meeting minutes from the previous month also documented ongoing resident concerns about food temperature.