F0804

D

Failure to Provide Palatable Food at Appropriate Temperatures

Belleville, Illinois Survey Completed on 01-09-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

The facility failed to ensure that food was appetizing and served at a palatable temperature for one resident reviewed for food and nutritional services. The resident, who was cognitively intact, had paraplegia, was independent with eating, and was on a carbohydrate-controlled diet, reported that the food was always cold and lacked flavor. A test tray conducted after the last resident tray was served showed that the beef tacos measured 110°F, the broccoli 107°F, and the rice 101°F, which were below the facility’s preferred standard of 120°F or greater for hot foods on room trays at the point of service to promote palatability. The broccoli on the test tray was observed to be mushy and light green in color. Resident Council meeting minutes from two separate months documented ongoing concerns about cold food and food being too spicy. The DON stated an expectation that the facility adhere to its policy regarding food temperature and palatability, and the facility’s undated policy documented that food temperatures would be monitored daily to ensure foods are served at palatable temperatures.