Apetito launches soft and puréed sarnies
The products provide something for all meals, from breakfast to supper, and build on an award-winning texture-modified range from the company, which specialises in meal solutions for the health and care sectors.
There are hot sandwiches available in cheese; chicken; bacon and tuna flavours and desserts include hot apple and cinnamon or hot chocolate cake.
Products are designed to include at least 300 calories, to provide high energy levels for patients. The range meets national guidelines for texture-modification in category C and D adults, particularly those linked to conditions such as dementia or strokes.
"There is still a lack of knowledge around dysphagia, which can affect up to 20% of hospital inpatients and has serious implications if not treated properly," said Caroline Lecko, nutrition patient safety lead at the National Patient Safety Agency.
"People with dysphagia are at increased risk of malnutrition for a variety of reasons and it can be a real challenge for health care staff to find ways to encourage and stimulate people to eat. The introduction of Apetito's range of sandwiches and cakes is a truly positive step forward in improving quality of life and reducing the risk of malnutrition within this vulnerable group."
Rosemarie Doyle, divisional manager for healthcare at Apetito, which won the Company of the Year award in the Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards in 2010, said: "It's about providing dignity, nutrition and giving a patient enjoyment in their daily lives.
"Our combination of sandwiches and cakes, together with hot main meals and desserts, ensures patients can find a suitable meal whatever their appetite. For example, for those with smaller appetites, a sandwich combined with one of our new hot or cold desserts could provide a snack helping to ensure that patients receive enough calories over the course of the day.
"Nutritionally a sandwich and a dessert is equivalent to a full main meal, ensuring that patients get the protein, energy and vitamins they need without being confronted with a large meal."
