I agree that it is the "catering" (for lack of a better term) department's ultimate responsibility. I mean, if you're delivering hot food, it's logical to infer it'll be consumed shortly thereafter, no? To me - followup on the dishes within, say, a half-day isn't asking too much. That would include knocking and asking (as housekeeping does re:cleaning) and removing the used crockery from the room if the occupants are not in and have not left it outside.
Ain't ranting fun!