STANDARD DIETS IN HOSPITALS - COMPARISON OF NUTRIENT INTAKE WITH GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS OF FOOD-INTAKE

Standard diets provided by 70 hospitals were analysed for the followin g parameters (1) energy content, (2) per cent contribution of fat, pro tein and carbohydrates to total energy administration, and (3) fibre c ontent. Standard diets of all hospitals contained by far too much fat, while the content of carbohydrates and fibres was much too low compar ed with recommendations for an appropriate diet. The meal that differr ed most from the recommendations was dinner. Standard diets provided b y hospitals should be in conformity with the dietary recommendations f or the general population. We therefore suggest mandatory quality cont rols of hospital meals.