<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".11" citation="COMAR 10.07.04.11" title_num="10" subtitle_num="07" chapter_num="04" heading="Food Services.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Dietary Requirements. The following minimum requirements shall be observed:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A minimum of three meals in each 24 hour period shall be served. In addition, nutritious between meal and bedtime snacks should be offered to all residents no less than 1-1/2 to 2 hours before the next meal.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>There may not be an interval longer than 12 hours from the evening meal or substantial bedtime snack to breakfast. The diet shall consist of simply prepared, appropriately served, palatable foods including a minimum of the following daily:</text>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Meat, fish, poultry, eggs: Two servings per day;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Vegetables and fruits: Four servings per day, including one serving of citrus fruit or tomato daily and one serving of a dark green or deep yellow vegetable or fruit five times weekly;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Breads and Cereals: Four servings daily.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Size of servings and consistency or texture of food will be regulated by the age and condition of the residents.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>A record of the current week's menu plan shall be posted and kept on file for the following 2 weeks. A time schedule for service of meals to residents and personnel should be established and it is recommenced that meals be served approximately 4 hours apart for breakfast, lunch and dinner.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Special diets or any variation of these requirements ordered by the resident's physician shall be provided for residents as ordered.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Meals shall be served in a dining or community room equipped with furniture and utensils appropriate to the age and development of the residents. A resident with a temporary illness shall be served privately.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Sanitation and Personal Hygiene. All applicable requirements of COMAR 10.15.03 shall be observed.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>