Food production towards the year 2000: implications for hospital feeding

Less than optimum nutrition has been identified in significant numbers of hospital patients and, furthermore, it can be shown that the longer the patient remains in hospital the worse his nutritional condition may become. Predicted developments in food technology and anticipated changes in eating practices are considered. It appears that convenience foods and 'grazing' will become increasingly important, and that the diet will include unusual items. The implication for feeding in hospitals is that the catering style and diets must change to meet the expectation of patients.