THE Victorian government has food provided to hospital patients and aged care residents in its sights.
State health minister Jenny Mikakos has announced an audit that will focus on the taste and nutritional value of meals provided.
It will also look at whether the ingredients have been locally sourced, whether there are diverse foods for modern diets, and aim to reduce high fat and high salt foods from hospitals, either at the bedside, in hospital-run cafes or vending machines.
"We're taking action to make sure patients are being served up a wider variety of yummy, nutritious foods that they know and love," Ms Mikakos said.
The audit will be led by Parliamentary Secretary for Health Anthony Carbines, who said while the state's hospitals and aged care facilities did a great job feeding patients and residents "we're working together to lift the bar and provide even better meals than ever before".
After the audit, all public hospitals and aged care facilities will be required to follow the revised nutrition standards and guidelines.
