Supporting compliance and quality care: How remote menu appraisals help meet Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
Oct 22, 2025
As of 1 November 2025, the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards are now in eļ¬€ect - bringing a renewed focus on person-centred care, nutrition, and meaningful mealtime experiences. One of the most significant updates is Standard 6.3.1b - which places clear responsibility on aged care providers to actively plan, assess, and improve the food they serve. This includes mandatory collaboration between chefs, cooks, and Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs).
Understanding Standard 6.3.1b: The role of menu appraisals
Under Standard 6.3.1b, all aged care homes must undertake an annual menu and mealtime assessment. This process must involve an APD and the food service team working together to ensure meals meet residents’ nutritional needs while also reflecting their individual preferences, cultural backgrounds, and health needs.
Residents themselves must also have input into the menu. The strengthened Standards place a strong emphasis on person-centred care and choice - including what to eat, when to eat, and where to eat.
To meet compliance, providers must ensure that menus are:
- Developed and reviewed with clinical input
- Nutritionally adequate and aligned with national dietary guidelines
- Flexible enough to support individual choice and dietary requirements
- Monitored for quality, consistency, and presentation
-
Regularly updated to reflect seasonal produce and resident feedback
This standard goes beyond basic compliance - it underpins dignity, inclusion, and improved health outcomes. Menu appraisals are no longer optional; they are now a mandatory component of care planning and quality service delivery.
What is a menu appraisal?
A menu appraisal is a structured, dietitian-led evaluation of how food is planned, prepared, and experienced within an aged care setting.
The process typically includes:
- Nutritional analysis of the current menu
- Review of documentation such as food service policies and special diet procedures
- Discussions with kitchen and care staļ¬€ to understand day-to-day practices
- Identification of areas for improvement, such as protein distribution, meal variety, and
fortification strategies - A detailed written report with evidence-based recommendations
Despite many aged care homes meeting baseline requirements, common shortfalls still exist - such as unclear menu descriptions, inconsistent texture-modified options, and limited vegetarian protein oļ¬€erings. Mandatory menu assessments close these gaps by improving both compliance and resident outcomes.
Why these new standards matter
Food and nutrition are foundational to resident wellbeing. Beyond meeting physical needs, a thoughtfully designed menu boosts emotional wellness, fosters social connection, and preserves independence and dignity. Involving APDs in planning and assessment ensures providers deliver not only compliant services but truly resident-centred care.
How NPA can support you
Planning your summer menus? Now is the ideal time to partner with an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and ensure your menus are fully aligned with Standard 6.3.1b. Nutrition Professionals Australia (NPA) oļ¬€ers flexible and remote menu appraisals that allow you to meet compliance requirements while enhancing the mealtime experience for your residents. Our team works closely with your chefs, kitchen staļ¬€, and management to provide practical recommendations tailored to your service.
Contact NPA today to book your next menu appraisal or learn more about how we can support your team with ongoing compliance and resident wellbeing.
