Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Practice Test

Can Mary, the administrator, serve canned tomatoes to residents?

1. True

2. False

The correct answer is: False

In a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE), food safety and quality are critical to ensure the health and well-being of residents. Canned tomatoes may not be a safe option for serving due to the potential risk of botulism and other foodborne illnesses if they are not stored or prepared properly. It’s essential that food served to residents meets specific safety standards, including being properly canned, stored, and prepared to prevent any health risks. If the facility does not have the proper facilities or procedures in place to safely handle canned goods, serving them could pose a threat to the residents' safety. Additionally, regulations governing food service in these facilities often require that food offered is not only safe but also nutritious and suited to the dietary needs of the elderly population. This may mean avoiding certain canned items that may not align with dietary guidelines or the health statuses of the residents. Therefore, due to the safety concerns and regulations, serving canned tomatoes without proper adherence to food safety protocols would not be appropriate.