Failure to Serve Food at Safe and Palatable Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to serve food that was palatable and at safe, appetizing temperatures on four of six nursing units. According to the facility's policy, hot foods should be served at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit and cold foods at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Multiple residents reported that their food was frequently cold, with some stating that meal trays arrived at inconsistent times and that they sometimes did not eat the food if it was cold. One resident also reported not always receiving the food she ordered. A new admission confirmed that her food had been cold at times. Observation of a breakfast meal revealed that the meal cart left the kitchen and arrived at one unit at 7:34 AM, with trays being passed between 7:41 AM and 8:21 AM. Food temperature testing conducted by the surveyor and the food service director showed that puree eggs were 91.2°F and tasted cold, puree bread was 97.8°F and tasted cold, milk was 59.2°F and tasted warm, and coffee was 102.7°F and tasted tepid. These findings were reviewed with the Nursing Home Administrator and DON.