Failure to Serve Meals at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents received food that was palatable, attractive, and served at a safe and appetizing temperature during a lunch meal. Multiple staff members, including CNAs, reported receiving complaints from residents about cold food, particularly for those eating in their rooms. Observations revealed that food temperatures were initially within safe ranges when checked in the kitchen, but by the time trays were delivered to residents, the food was no longer at an appetizing temperature. A test tray provided to the state surveyor showed that the barbeque meat was only lukewarm in the center, the okra was cold, and the potato salad was no longer cold, indicating a loss of appropriate temperature during tray delivery. Interviews with residents confirmed that food was often not hot when received, with trays sometimes sitting on the hall for several minutes before being distributed. Dietary staff delivered food carts to the halls on time and notified nursing staff, but there were delays in passing out trays, sometimes up to 13 minutes after arrival. Facility policy required prompt delivery of room service trays upon reaching the floor, but this procedure was not consistently followed, leading to dissatisfaction among residents regarding meal temperature and palatability.