Audit reveals serious food safety and satisfaction issues in National Guard feeding system
A recent Audit Office report has highlighted significant food safety and management concerns in the National Guard's feeding system, with food served at temperatures well below safety standards. During surprise inspections in early 2026, pre-prepared meals were found to be between 15°C and 25°C below the minimum required 60°C, placing them in a “danger zone” for microbial growth. This temperature lapse compromised both the safety and taste of the food.
The €9.5 million annual feeding budget is also marred by excessive ordering, food waste, and low soldier satisfaction. Surveys of over 1,100 conscripts revealed that many avoid certain meals due to quality issues, with 41% resorting to outside food despite prohibitions. Only 20% of those with special dietary needs reported adequate provision, and one in four soldiers linked mild health problems to the food served.
Additional issues included uncertified food delivery equipment, understaffed kitchens reliant on conscripts, and poor packaging disposal practices. While improvement in hygiene and the use of ready-made meals were noted, the Audit Office stressed the need for better implementation and stricter controls to ensure food safety and reduce waste within the National Guard.
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