Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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139. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the issue of the quality of hospital food in respect of its high fat and sugar content and low nutritional value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47577/18]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The quality of hospital food is a priority issue and the HSE has been requested to develop a National Hospital Food and Nutrition Policy. Development of this Policy is now at an advanced stage and it is expected to be available for publication by the end of the year.

The development of the Policy included extensive consultation and it will provide guidance on minimum nutrition standards, together with other relevant policies, such as protected meal times, the use of oral nutritional supplements, nutrition screening and referral pathways.