Medirest trials steam-cook meals

Medirest, the largest private provider of NHS catering, is trialling a new steam-cook product.
The Compass division is trialling the new form of packaging, also used by Marks & Spencer, that allows fresh food to be steamed in a microwave.
Meals are contained in a plastic container with a valve on the lid. The packaging functions like a pressure cooker when put in the microwave, meaning that more flavour and nutrients are retained compared with conventionally microwaved food.
Ian Moore (pictured), Medirest strategic development director, said that trials on two wards at Charing Cross Hospital, west London, had been well received, and added: "Our ambition is to roll out the pilot in the coming year."
He said the new delivery method would enable patients to choose from up to 20 dishes and order what they want an hour or two hours before eating instead of the day before.
Dishes include salmon with new potatoes and broccoli, beef casserole, vegetarian curry, and sausages in onion gravy.
Medirest is the caterer at more than 100 NHS trusts.