SeniorDeli is built on the IDDSI framework, the international standard for dysphagia diet classification used by hospitals and care homes across Hong Kong.
The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) is a global framework developed in 2013 and adopted worldwide by 2019. It classifies foods and drinks into 8 levels (0–7), ensuring consistent communication between speech therapists, dietitians, nurses, care home staff, and food manufacturers. Without a shared standard, a “soft diet” in one facility may be unsafe in another — IDDSI eliminates that ambiguity.
| Level | Name | Description | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Thin | Flows like water; no resistance | People with mild or no swallowing restriction on liquids |
| 1 | Slightly Thick | Slightly thicker than water; requires minimal effort | Mild pharyngeal dysphagia where thin liquids are borderline unsafe |
| 2 | Mildly Thick | Flows off a spoon; requires some effort to drink | Mild dysphagia; slow oral transit |
| 3 | Liquidised | Smooth, pourable; no lumps; can be drunk from a cup | Moderate oral or pharyngeal dysphagia; poor dentition |
| 4 | Pureed | Smooth, pudding-like; holds shape briefly; no chewing needed | Severe chewing difficulty; significant oral dysphagia |
| 5 | Minced & Moist | Soft particles ≤4 mm; moist; can be mashed with tongue | Moderate chewing difficulty; reduced tongue strength |
| 6 | Soft & Bite-Sized | Tender pieces ≤1.5 cm × 1.5 cm; easily squashed with fork | Mild chewing difficulty; reduced jaw strength |
| 7 | Regular | Any texture; no restriction | No swallowing or chewing impairment |
Source: iddsi.org
Hong Kong's Hospital Authority (HA) has aligned its dietary texture guidelines with the IDDSI framework across public hospitals. Speech therapists and dietitians in HA facilities prescribe IDDSI levels as standard practice for patients with dysphagia, ensuring care continuity from acute wards to rehabilitation and discharge.
Residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) in Hong Kong are increasingly expected to demonstrate IDDSI-aligned food preparation practices during Social Welfare Department inspections. Standardised documentation — including staff training records and texture testing logs — reduces liability and supports quality care ratings.
Aspiration pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalisation and death among elderly patients in Hong Kong. Studies show that serving the wrong texture — food that is too thin, too chunky, or inconsistently prepared — significantly increases aspiration risk. IDDSI standardisation closes the communication gap between hospital discharge instructions and care home meal preparation, directly reducing preventable aspiration events.
We build free clinical tools to help families, caregivers, and health professionals apply IDDSI in practice.
Photo-based AI tool that classifies a food item to its IDDSI level in seconds — no manual testing required.
Open AI ClassifierFree validated 10-question screen to identify swallowing difficulty risk and suggest the appropriate IDDSI starting level.
Take EAT-10 ScreenAnswer a few questions about symptoms and dietary history to get a suggested IDDSI level range and product recommendations.
Use IDDSI MatcherSeniorDeli supports care homes in implementing IDDSI — from staff training to compliance documentation.
Implementing IDDSI in your facility? Join our pilot programme — free app access, staff training support, and a dedicated account manager for the first 3 months.
Join Pilot ProgrammeDownload our care home IDDSI compliance pack — including texture testing logs, staff competency checklists, and SWD-ready documentation templates. Available inside the SeniorDeli app.
Download Compliance PackFree app for families and caregivers. Dedicated programme for care homes and healthcare facilities.