FOOD. Science. Technology. Quality

Food. SCIENCE. Technology. Quality

Food. Science. TECHNOLOGY. Quality

Food. Science. Technology. QUALITY

Authors

JUSTYNA LIBERA, KATARZYNA BANACH, AGNIESZKA LATOCH

Title

Assessment of nutritional quality of food rations in nurseries on the basis of menus during winter season

Abstract

The objective of the research study was to assess the nutritional quality of food rations for one day served in four nursery canteens on the basis of a qualitative and quantitative analysis. The winter season is not rich in diverse fresh fruit and vegetables. The limited availability of seasonal vegetables and fruit as well as their high price could cause a lower supply of those products in the daily nutritional ration in the nurseries. This may cause the risk of vitamin deficiencies. Under this study, there were analysed twelve monthly menus from the winter period, i.e. from December 2016 to February 2017, three menus from every nursery. A Dieta 5D software was applied to calculate the energy content and the content of macronutrients and micronutrients in the menus assessed. Based on the study results, it was confirmed that the adequate energy supply (1074 ± 50 kcal) was adequate in the daily food rations in the nurseries. No excessive supplies of salt (< 3.8 g) and sugars (< 33 g) were reported in the food served to children. It was found that the diets assessed were rich in protein (37 ± 4.5 g), dietary fibre (11 ± 2.6 g), vitamin A (519 ± 223 μg), and magnesium (154 ± 26 mg). It became apparent that the intakes of calcium (< 600 mg) and vitamin D (< 4 μg) were insufficient. The daily supply of other micronutrients in the nursery diet did not raise any objections. However, the results obtained suggest that it is a must to educate the staff in educational institutions about, especially, the need to increase the quantity of calcium-rich dairy products and marine fish in the nursery menus.

Keywords

nursery, child nutrition, winter season, menu, nutrients

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