By households, the number of elderly persons living alone and the number of households consisting of only an elderly couple are increasing. Public services for the elderly must urgently be upgraded, and such services in the private sector must be developed, both in quantity and quality. The purpose of all of these meal delivery services is to support the daily living of elderly persons who have difficulties in cooking. Seven companies deliver foods that can be eaten immediately after delivery, while one company delivers cooked food in retort packs through a chilled delivery service. All providers consider nutritional balance, salt and other factors to suit the needs of elderly persons.
Some providers prepare diet meals and special meals for diabetics.
6 companies use recoverable containers, while one company uses disposable containers as well as utensils that are collected. The company which delivers country-wide uses vacuum packs. Four out of eight companies operate 365 days a year with no holidays. One company allows such cancellation on a conditional basis. List of Product Tests in FY 1995 NCAC carried out comparative tests for 15 product items during FY 1995.