Irish hospitals won't limit food high in sugar, salt and fat

Food high in sugar, salt, and fat will not be limited for most patients under a new approach to the provision of hospital food across the health service in Ireland, according to an article on the Irish Times website.

The plan wont restrict junk food for most hospital patients because their appetites may be reduced and the priority is to ensure they consume enough energy.

“Foods that are high in fat and sugar can provide an important source of energy, and therefore make a useful contribution to ensuring that nutritional requirements are achieved,” the policy stated.

The regular diet proposed in the policy includes three meals and two snacks a day. It recommends fruit and vegetables five times a day and meat or fish twice for patients without special health requirements.

Read the article.