The food and vegetables supply to hospitals is an important part of food supply channel. This supply demands, among others, high patterns of quality, including size, shape, origin, low levels of residuals and pesticides, as well as the accomplishment of hygiene and sanitary rules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current process of food and vegetables supply for the hospitals and to verify the efficiency of such process, according to the needs and requirements of hospital units. The methodology was a case-series study. The hospital situated in the City of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and a central of store and distribution of food and vegetables, as well as its suppliers were analysed. The results demonstrate that the hospitals have a great concern regarding the current supply method and, in addition, that they prefer a specialized one. In reference to suppliers, it was verified the non-observance of factors considered as indispensable by hospitals. These include, for instance, the control for use of pesticides, the hygiene and sanitary conditions, the origin and the transportation. In conclusion, it was verified that the current supply is not efficient, that it occurs in an inappropriate way and that it does not assist the most of the hospital supply requirements. It is suggested the implementation of the hazard analysis and critical control points, the good practice of manufacturing, the supply chain management, and a cooperative approach to optimize the food and vegetable supply.
hospital units; nutritional hospital service; management materials
