Failure to Provide Palatable Meals at Safe and Appetizing Temperatures
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s failure to ensure food was palatable and served at appropriate temperatures for all residents receiving meals from the kitchen. During observation on 01/14/26 at 12:08 P.M., after all resident room trays had been delivered, the Dietary Manager (DM #216) obtained test tray temperatures and found the beef macaroni casserole at 131°F and the mixed capri vegetables at 120°F. At 12:10 P.M., review of the test tray with DM #216 showed the beef macaroni casserole was lukewarm, and DM #216 acknowledged the casserole should have had a much higher temperature and expressed surprise that the vegetables did not taste colder given the low temperature reading. DM #216 attributed the improper temperatures to the length of time the food cart sat on the unit before service. Resident interviews further supported concerns about food temperature and palatability. On 01/12/26 at 11:13 A.M., Resident #34 reported that the food was served cold. At 11:40 A.M. the same day, Resident #01 stated he disliked the food, did not like what was served or how it was cooked, and reported the food was served cold. At 12:49 P.M., Resident #10 stated the food tasted terrible and was always served cold. On 01/13/26 at 9:12 A.M., Resident #37 reported that the food was served cold and that serving sizes were improper. This deficiency was investigated under Complaint Number 2590724.
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