Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

How is minutes per meal defined?

1. Total labor hours divided by total meals served

2. Total time in meal production divided by total meals

3. Total meals served in a specific time frame

4. Total staff hours required for meal preparation

The correct answer is: Total time in meal production divided by total meals

Defining minutes per meal is crucial for understanding the efficiency of meal production in dietary management. The correct answer accurately describes the measurement by focusing on the total time spent in meal production divided by the total number of meals served. This calculation provides a clear metric of how many minutes, on average, it takes to prepare each meal, which helps in assessing productivity and resource allocation. This metric is particularly useful in evaluating labor efficiency and planning, as it allows dietary managers to identify how effectively they are using their time and resources. By analyzing this information, managers can make informed decisions to optimize meal production processes, maintain quality, and control costs in the food service operation. In contrast to the other options, which either focus on total labor hours or staff hours without directly linking them to meal production time, this definition provides the specific context needed to assess the operational workflow of a dietary service effectively.