Abstract: In the context of a consumer-care environment, for example a patient-care environment, a system and a process are described for optimising the process of meal preparation for consumers having particular dietary requirements and dietary preferences. Using a database to manage the dietary requirements and dietary preferences of particular consumers and the nutritional content of meal ingredients, meals can be tailored for particular consumers. An automated system of inspection and checking of the meal before delivery to the consumer is disclosed. Furthermore, an automated system of inspection of the meal before delivery to the consumer and further inspection of the remains of the meal when the consumer has finished, allows the system to optimise the meal preparation process in such a way that the consumers' dietary requirements and preferences are met while minimising food waste.

Abstract: In the context of a consumer-care environment, for example a patient-care environment, a system and a process are described for optimising the process of meal preparation for consumers having particular dietary requirements and dietary preferences. Using a database to manage the dietary requirements and dietary preferences of particular consumers and the nutritional content of meal ingredients, meals can be tailored for particular consumers. An automated system of inspection and checking of the meal before delivery to the consumer is disclosed. Furthermore, an automated system of inspection of the meal before delivery to the consumer and further inspection of the remains of the meal when the consumer has finished, allows the system to optimise the meal preparation process in such a way that the consumers' dietary requirements and preferences are met while minimising food waste.