Is Your Aged Care Menu Ready for the November 2025 Changes?
From 1 November 2025, the Aged Care Act 2024 and Strengthened Quality Standards take effect across Australia.
A new standard — Standard 6 Food, Nutrition & Dining — places food and mealtimes at the centre of care quality.
Your menu is no longer just about what’s served; it’s about resident dignity, enjoyment and compliance.
What the 2025 Standards Require
Under Standard 6, every aged-care home must show that:
Meals and drinks are nutritious, appetising and safe.
Residents have choice, variety and cultural relevance in their meals.
The dining experience is social, dignified and enjoyable.
Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are involved in menu reviews and improvements.
Resident feedback and satisfaction are monitored and acted on.
Food service is part of your continuous-improvement program.
Auditors will expect documented dietitian reviews, feedback records, and action plans as evidence.
Why This Matters
Nutrition and mealtime quality directly affect health, mood and independence.
The Royal Commission identified under-nutrition and poor food quality as major care issues.
The 2025 changes ensure that:
Residents receive nutritionally adequate, enjoyable meals.
Providers demonstrate ongoing improvement and resident engagement.
Dietitians play a key role in quality and compliance.
Homes that act early will find audits smoother and residents happier.
How to Prepare Your Facility
1. Arrange a Dietitian-Led Menu Audit
Engage an APD to review nutritional adequacy, menu cycle and resident choice.
2. Observe Mealtimes
Assess presentation, ambience, timing and staff support during meals.
3. Collect Resident Feedback
Run surveys or tasting sessions to capture satisfaction data.
4. Plan Improvements
Update menus, snack services and hydration options based on findings.
5. Keep Records
Maintain reports and evidence of dietitian involvement for your audit trail.
Where the MMQA Fits In
The Menu and Mealtime Quality Assessment (MMQA) is a structured tool from Dietitians Australia used to review aged-care menus and dining experiences.
It is not compulsory but is recognised as best practice and aligns perfectly with Standard 6.
Completing an MMQA (or similar review) demonstrates:
Dietitian oversight and nutritional adequacy.
Resident choice and feedback in action.
Dining-environment quality and continuous improvement.
It’s a straightforward way to show auditors that your service prioritises food and nutrition care.
Learn more about the Menu and Mealtime Quality Assessment (MMQA)
On-Site or Remote Menu Reviews
At Appetite for Nutrition, we make it easy for all providers to access expert support — whether you are in a metropolitan or regional area.
We offer:
On-site reviews in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Shepparton, Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga.
Remote reviews for regional and remote aged-care homes Australia-wide via digital menus and video consultations.
Every service includes a full report and practical recommendations to prepare you for the November 2025 reforms.
How Appetite for Nutrition Supports Aged Care
Our Accredited Practising Dietitians specialise in aged-care menu reviews and compliance support.
We provide:
Comprehensive menu and mealtime assessments (MMQA or equivalent)
Nutrition and hydration audits
Resident-choice and feedback surveys
Dining-environment observations
Action plans for continuous improvement
Ready to Get Audit-Ready?
Don’t wait until November 2025 — start your menu review now and be ahead of the changes.
Book your aged-care menu review with Appetite for Nutrition today.
Because good food is good care.
Frequency Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions
Our team of NDIS-registered dietitians helps clients make practical, evidence-based food decisions that fit their goals, lifestyle, and budget.
Yes. Under the new Food, Nutrition & Dining Standard, facilities must show that an Accredited Practising Dietitian has reviewed their menu and mealtime service.
No. The MMQA is a recommended framework, not a legal requirement. You can use any dietitian-led review that meets Standard 6 expectations.
At least once per year, or whenever the menu or resident population changes significantly.
Yes. Remote menu reviews are accepted when conducted by qualified dietitians and supported by documentation and feedback evidence.
Dietitian reports, resident survey results, meeting notes, menu changes and continuous-improvement records.
Now. Complete your menu review and action plan before 1 November 2025 so you’re ready for assessment.
