Explain the following types of catering establishments: (a) Transport catering (b) Institutional catering; (c) Hospital catering; (d) Industrial catering.

Types of catering establishments explained

(a) Transport catering

This is the provision of food and drink to passengers travelling by air, road, rail or sea. It includes flight (airline) catering, railway catering, ship or cruise catering and roadside catering at motor parks and terminals. Meals are usually prepared in advance and served on the move, so packaging, portion control and hygiene are very important.

(b) Institutional catering

This is the provision of meals in institutions such as schools, colleges, hostels and orphanages, usually to a fixed group of people at low or subsidised cost. The aim is to feed the members adequately and economically rather than to make profit.

(c) Hospital catering

This is the provision of food to patients, staff and visitors in hospitals. Patients' meals are often specially planned as therapeutic or modified diets prescribed by a dietitian to suit particular illnesses, so accuracy, cleanliness and nutrition are vital.

(d) Industrial catering

This is the provision of meals to workers in factories, industries and business organisations, often in a staff canteen and at a subsidised price. It keeps workers well nourished, saves them time and helps improve productivity and morale.