The private operators of the Australia's $2.3 billion new Royal Adelaide Hospital could face financial penalties for the substandard delivery of food to patients, according to an article on the ABC website.
The hospital has been hit by complaints over bland, poor quality and late meal deliveries.
Under the $397 million annual contract struck by the former Labor state government with the hospital consortium Celsus, contractor Spotless has the responsibility for delivering all catering, hospitality, cleaning, laundry and maintenance services to the major tertiary hospital until 2046.
"The fact of the matter is that we don't believe that the food has been delivered over the past six months in full fulfillment of the contract and we'll be looking for abatements on the next payment through SA Health," Health Minister Stephen Wade said.