Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: Staff serve contaminated foods to residents. It is alleged that staff serve food to clients that has been touched and rejected by other clients in care, and that plastic and hairs have been observed food servings. Based on interviews conducted three (3) out of sixteen (16) clients stated they are served food contaminated food. Kitchen staff and other staff interviewed denied this allegation. They stated that client (C1) complains about all the food frequently and has episodes of paranoia that causes the resident to be overly suspicious about food served, staff, and other clients. The kitchen staff in question is not employed at the facility.

A tour of the kitchen was conducted, as well as observation of lunch service. No foreign substances were observed in food. However, during today's lunch service, three (3) clients reported to kitchen staff that the milk being served tasted sour and was spoiled. LPA inspected the refrigerator milk storage area. The majority of the milk cartons (24 gallons) had an expiration date of July 8, 2022. The food supply was not expired, but damaged food cans were observed in the storage areas. In addition, there were kitchen staffing shortages today and the maintenance staff (S9) assisted with kitchen responsibilities during lunch service. S9 does not have a food handling certificate. NOTE: Other deficiencies were observed and are cited in a case management report.

LPA observed the kitchen refrigerator was not within the minimum 41 degree state law temperature for perishable foods. The temperature was 62 degrees. Kitchen personnel confirmed the refrigerator temperature is not within the required temperature.

Based on interviews conducted and observations, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation(s) is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. Deficiency is cited. See LIC 9099D.

Exit interview was conducted with Med-Tech Fabiola Padilla. A copy of the report and appeal rights were provided.