The reported low uptake of food and nutrition training
opportunities by foodservice staff is concerning. The
Council of Europe Recommendations on Food and Nutritional
Care in Hospitals has identified lack of sufficient education
of staff as one of five major problems contributing to
hospital malnutrition.17 The population in rest homes is
vulnerable, and it is known that well-trained staff have
enhanced awareness of nutrition risks associated with
ageing. Where training is inadequate, poor nutrition status is
not recognised and there is lack of awareness of the need for
intervention. Where food is the first choice for such intervention,
it is critical that cooks and caregivers are adequately
trained to understand the importance of their role.