Understanding the Menu & Mealtime Quality Assessment (MMQA) — What It Means for Aged Care Homes
What Is the MMQA?
The Menu & Mealtime Quality Assessment (MMQA) is a structured, evidence-based tool developed by Dietitians Australia to help aged-care providers evaluate the quality of their menus, mealtime environments and dining experiences.
It is designed to ensure residents receive meals that are not only nutritionally adequate, but also enjoyable, dignified and culturally appropriate — aligning with the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, particularly Standard 6 – Food, Nutrition & Dining coming into force on 1 November 2025.
Why the MMQA Was Created
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety found that:
Many residents were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.
Meal variety and presentation were inconsistent.
Dining environments often lacked social and sensory enjoyment.
The MMQA was developed to help providers measure and improve these areas systematically — supporting compliance while enhancing the resident dining experience.
What the MMQA Covers
An MMQA review typically assesses:
Menu Structure & Variety — cycle length, meal balance, and seasonal choice.
Nutritional Adequacy — energy, protein, micronutrient sufficiency across menu cycles.
Special Diets & Texture Modifications — IDDSI compliance, dysphagia support, therapeutic diets.
Hydration & Snacks — availability, timing, and appeal.
Resident Choice & Cultural Relevance — inclusion of personal, religious and cultural preferences.
Mealtime Experience — ambience, timing, assistance, and resident dignity.
Feedback & Continuous Improvement — how facilities collect and act on resident and staff feedback.
The final report provides a score or rating with detailed recommendations to help the provider close any gaps.
Is the MMQA Compulsory?
No — the MMQA is not legally mandatory.
However, the 2025 Aged Care Quality Standards expect that every residential aged-care service has its menu and dining services reviewed by an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) on a regular basis.
Using the MMQA is regarded as best practice because it:
Aligns directly with Standard 6 requirements.
Is recognised by Dietitians Australia and the regulator.
Provides a transparent, auditable framework for compliance evidence.
So, while you’re not required to use that exact tool, completing an MMQA or equivalent dietitian-led review ensures your facility can confidently demonstrate compliance.
Can the MMQA Be Done Remotely?
Yes — while on-site observation is ideal, remote or hybrid reviews are increasingly accepted for regional and rural facilities.
Remote MMQA reviews typically include:
Digital submission of menus, recipes and nutritional analyses.
Photos or videos of meals and dining environments.
Virtual meetings with food service and care teams.
Resident feedback and survey data.
At Appetite for Nutrition, we provide both:
✅ On-site MMQA-aligned reviews in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Shepparton, Bendigo and Albury–Wodonga.
🌐 Remote reviews Australia-wide — efficient, affordable and audit-ready.
How the MMQA Helps You Meet the 2025 Standards
The MMQA framework directly supports compliance with the Food, Nutrition & Dining Standard by helping you:
Demonstrate dietitian involvement in menu review and improvement.
Document resident choice, feedback and engagement.
Show continuous improvement in food and dining services.
Build clear audit evidence for the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
It’s not just about passing audits — it’s about creating a food service residents genuinely look forward to.
How Appetite for Nutrition Can Help
At Appetite for Nutrition, our Accredited Practising Dietitians specialise in aged-care menu and mealtime assessments using the MMQA framework or equivalent.
We offer:
✅ MMQA-aligned menu reviews and compliance reports
✅ Dining environment and hydration audits
✅ Resident choice & satisfaction surveys
✅ On-site and remote reviews for all facility sizes
✅ Action plans to prepare for the November 2025 standards
📍 Service Areas: South East Queensland (Brisbane & Gold Coast) and Victoria (Melbourne, Shepparton, Bendigo, Albury–Wodonga)
🌐 Remote menu reviews available Australia-wide
Get Your MMQA-Aligned Review Now
Be audit-ready and resident-focused before November 2025.
Book your Menu & Mealtime Quality Assessment with Appetite for Nutrition today.
Because quality care starts with quality food.
Frequency Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions
No, the MMQA isn’t mandatory — but menu reviews by an Accredited Practising Dietitian are required. MMQA is the most recognised and structured method to do this.
Only Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) trained in aged-care menu and mealtime assessment.
At least once per year — or more frequently if menus, staff or resident profiles change.
A standard review focuses on nutritional adequacy; MMQA adds resident experience, presentation and dining environment — offering a holistic quality assessment.
Yes. Remote assessments via digital menus and video reviews meet compliance when led by an APD.
Yes — MMQA reports clearly demonstrate compliance with Standard 6 and are widely accepted as best practice evidence.
