Failure to Maintain Palatable and Safe Meal Temperatures During Tray Service
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that meals provided from the kitchen were palatable and maintained at safe and appetizing temperatures for residents, affecting at least two residents and potentially all residents receiving kitchen-prepared meals. One resident, admitted with a fracture of the lower end of the right radius, anxiety disorder, morbid obesity, and requiring assistance with all ADLs including eating, had a regular diet with thin liquids and intact cognition per a BIMS score of 13. This resident reported that food was not always hot by the time staff were able to assist with meals. Another cognitively intact resident, admitted with bilateral patella fractures, osteoporosis with current fracture, CHF, and CKD, and who was independent with eating, also had a regular diet with thin liquids and reported that meals were frequently cold and did not taste good. Surveyor observations of the meal service showed that hot foods on the steam table initially met appropriate temperatures, but meal trays were then loaded onto 11 delivery carts that had no heat or refrigeration sources. Disposable Styrofoam plates and cups with dome lids and paper bowls for soup were used due to dish machine repairs. When a test tray was evaluated after the last resident tray was served, several items were found at inadequate temperatures: yogurt at 73°F, milk at 61.3°F, mashed potatoes at 132.4°F, mechanical chicken at 101.3°F, and pureed bread at 119.3°F. The Dietary Director confirmed that cold items were not held at appropriate temperatures and stated that, from a personal perspective, the hot foods were not warm enough and some items were bland and needed more seasoning. The facility’s Community Dining and Meal Service Policy required that individuals be provided with nourishing, palatable, attractive meals that support nutritional and special dietary needs, which was not met under these observed conditions.
We Help Long-Term Care Teams Stay Survey-Ready
We process and analyze inspection reports and plan of correction using AI to extract insights and trends so providers can improve care quality and stay ahead of compliance risks.