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The objective of this study was to evaluate the remaining intake of meals served to patients in an obstetric unit of a hospital in the city of Quixadá, Ceará. For a 10-day period, the analysis of residues was carried on in an obstetric unit that accommodates 24 beds. The residue index was obtained by calculating the ratio, expressed as a percentage, between the weight of the rejected meal subtracted of bone weight, and the meal served. The residue percentage was calculated for each patient, obtaining afterwards, the daily average and, in the end, the 10-day average. Values were considered acceptable when equal or lower than 20%, tolerable limit for sick populations. As the residue index was evaluated, it was verified that, for the majority of days, the percentage was lower than 20%. The residue index average for the 10 days, was 17.6%, which stood out as acceptable. Evaluating the individual residue index, a variation of 42.7g to 128.6g and a 75.6g average have been observed. An absence of normalization for weighing the meals has been verified, considering that the unit still does not work with menu standardization yet. The acceptable levels of food residue in the majority of days analyzed indicates that food waste in the unit is not high. However, the daily control of food residue must be encouraged, aiming at lower costs to the institution and reduction of environmental damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]