Effective 1 November 2025, Standard 6 is Australia's first standalone aged care standard for food and nutrition. The goal: every resident receives food they enjoy, that meets their needs, and supports a sense of belonging. Four outcomes drive this:

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6.1 Partner with residents on food preferences

6.2 Individually assess nutritional needs, allergies, texture, and cultural requirements

6.3 Serve nutritious, flavoursome meals with real variety

6.4 Create a dining environment that supports wellbeing and social connection

 

Chefs must offer rotating, culturally diverse menus, present texture-modified meals with dignity, and match what's served to the menu. Dietitians must assess all residents, build individualised meal plans, and monitor intake regularly.

 

FSANZ and HACCP compliance is mandatory. It's not just the food. Providers must address lighting, noise, adaptive utensils, staffing, and opportunities for residents to share meals with visitors. Every detail counts. Visit the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for full guidance

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Download our information sheet for more information.