Arkansas Long Term Care Administrator Practice Exam

What is the minimum required food inventory to maintain on hand for perishables?

1. 1 day

2. 2 days

3. 3 days

4. 5 days

The correct answer is: 1 day

The minimum required food inventory to maintain on hand for perishables is set at one day. Keeping a one-day supply helps ensure that facilities can efficiently manage their food resources without excessive waste while also being prepared for unforeseen circumstances that might impact food deliveries. This short inventory period also promotes better food freshness and reduces the likelihood of spoilage, which is critical in a long-term care setting where the health and dietary needs of residents are paramount. Larger inventory levels, such as two, three, or five days, could lead to unnecessary food waste and potentially compromise the quality of the perishables, which is why they are not required minimums. By limiting the inventory to just one day, facilities can maintain a cycle of fresh food delivery and consumption that better meets the needs of residents.