Actual aspects of feeding management for preschoolers

Abstract

The purpose of the study was a comparative assessment of the actual diet of preschoolers, taking into account changes in the requirements of sanitary legislation on the organization of public catering. Materials and methods. Nutrition was assessed based on a study of the menu-layouts of two-week implemented menus in 4 preschool organizations. The analysis of children’s diets’ nutritional and biological value was carried out according to the leading indices of normative documents and legislative acts. A comparative characteristic of the actual food set was carried out, taking into account the changes in the requirements, the sanitary and epidemiological rules, and norms of SanPiN 2.3 / 2.4.3590-20 that had come into effect again. Results. The structure of the food set sold to children in the preschool organization was irrational. The optimal consumption (from 94 to 104% of the norm) of primary food products (meat, poultry, milk and dairy products, cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs) was established. The disadvantage of the menus under analysis was the deficit in the food assortment of rye bread, fish, fruit, leftover pasta, sugar, confectionery, and the presence of products excluded from the new food set (sausages). The nutritional and energy value of children’s diets was sufficient compared to the norms of physiological needs. However, there was an imbalance in both macro and micronutrients, especially calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Conclusion. According to the menu-layouts in children’s institutions, evaluation of children’s nutrition showed that they did not comply with both the previously existing and newly introduced regulatory requirements for indices of food supply and the chemical composition of rations. The needs of the recently entered sanitary rules and norms for feeding organizations were not considered when drawing up the menu in institutions. Revision of the food set requires making adjustments to the technological charts for baby nutrition and the elaboration of guidelines for developing menus in new conditions.