CMS Special Alert Memo: New Food Guidelines Incorporation Expected

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Quality and Safety Special Alert memo (QSSAM) on March 30, 2026, reminding hospitals of their obligations related to patient food and nutrition services.

Specifically, CMS expects incorporation of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030, released in January 2026 as part of the Administration's Make America Healthy Again initiative.

While this QSSAM was directed at hospitals, nursing homes should be aware of this directive. CMS has not issued a nursing home memo but recall that requirements at 42 CFR 483.60(c) call for menus to be developed according to "established national guidelines."

The agency's memo outlines eight "Key Elements" of the new guidelines to be considered in meeting requirements. This includes recommendations such as limiting ultra-processed food options, eliminating refined grains in favor of 100% whole grains, and ensuring meals contain less than 10 grams of added sugar. CMS includes examples of food and beverage options such as replacing processed deli meats with freshly prepared lean protein options and avoiding offering sugar-sweetened beverages or juice.

LeadingAge will be watching for any nursing home-specific information but know that state and federal surveyors would not need a specific memo or directive to survey on these guidelines as "established national guidelines."