Care Home Compliance
IDDSI Compliance Guide for Hong Kong Care Homes
Everything your kitchen team, nursing director, and procurement manager needs to achieve and maintain IDDSI compliance in a Hong Kong RCHE — from SWD inspection readiness to daily batch records.
What IDDSI Compliance Means in HK
In Hong Kong, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) expects Residential Care Homes for the Elderly (RCHEs) to serve food and liquids at the correct texture/thickness for each resident's assessed needs. IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) provides the globally recognised framework: 8 texture levels for food (0–7) and liquids (0–4). Compliance means: every resident has a documented IDDSI level on file; kitchen staff prepare food to those levels; products are tested before serving; and batch records are retained for audit.
SWD Inspection Checklist
Items SWD inspectors typically check for IDDSI-related compliance:
- Resident IDDSI level documented in care planRequired
- IDDSI level prescribed by healthcare professional (SLT or doctor)Required
- Kitchen staff trained on IDDSI texture requirementsRequired
- Daily texture testing records retained (Fork Drip / Flow / Spoon Tilt)Best Practice
- Batch test certificates for purchased IDDSI products on fileRequired
- IDDSI posters displayed in kitchenRecommended
- Incident records for texture-related choking or aspiration eventsRequired
- Product spec sheets for all IDDSI-categorised productsRequired
Free Compliance Pack
SeniorDeli provides a free compliance pack for all care home partners, including: IDDSI product documentation, batch test certificates, product spec sheets, and staff training materials. Download or request via WhatsApp.
Staff Training
IDDSI compliance requires trained kitchen and care staff. SeniorDeli offers on-site and remote training sessions covering: IDDSI level identification, daily texture testing procedures (Fork Drip Test, Flow Test, Spoon Tilt Test), safe food preparation for each level, and incident documentation. Training can be customised for your home's staffing and resident mix.
On-site Workshop
2-hour session at your care home. Covers all 8 IDDSI levels, live testing demonstrations, and Q&A. Certificate of attendance provided.
Remote Video Training
Pre-recorded bilingual (Cantonese/English) video modules covering IDDSI levels and daily testing. Staff complete at their own pace.
Train-the-Trainer
For care homes with internal training capability. We train your head cook or dietitian to deliver IDDSI training to new staff.
Daily Texture Testing
IDDSI standard tests must be performed before serving to verify food and liquid textures. Three key tests:
Fork Drip Test
Food Levels 4–6Place food on fork tines. Food should hold shape (Level 5–6) or drop slowly through tines (Level 4). Does not pass through unaided = Level 5 or 6. Drops slowly = Level 4.
Flow Test
Liquid Levels 1–4Use IDDSI flow test syringe. 10 mL at rest for 10 seconds. Remaining volume in syringe determines level: >8 mL = Level 1; 4–8 mL = Level 2; 1–4 mL = Level 3; 0–1 mL = Level 4.
Spoon Tilt Test
Food Level 4 (Pureed)Place food on spoon. Tilt spoon 90 degrees. Level 4 food falls off in one smooth slow motion, leaving spoon almost clean. Does not require pressure to move.
Batch Records and Documentation
Batch records are the paper trail that proves compliance during SWD audits. For each delivery of IDDSI products, retain: batch test certificate from manufacturer, delivery note with lot number, date of receipt, and any daily testing results. SeniorDeli provides batch test certificates with every delivery. Store records for a minimum of 2 years.
Common Compliance Failures (and How to Avoid Them)
No documented IDDSI level in resident care plan
Update care plans for all residents. New residents should be assessed within 2 weeks of admission.
Using home-modified food without testing
Test all home-prepared food using IDDSI standard tests before serving. Document results in daily kitchen log.
No batch certificates for purchased products
Request batch certificates from all suppliers. SeniorDeli includes certificates with every delivery automatically.
Staff unaware of IDDSI levels for assigned residents
Post IDDSI level summaries in kitchen and nursing station. Include in daily handover notes.
Liquid thickener mixed incorrectly
Use flow test to verify every batch. Train staff on correct powder-to-liquid ratios and post mixing guides near preparation areas.
Inconsistent texture between meal preparations
Standardise recipes with IDDSI level noted. Use SeniorDeli pre-prepared products for consistent compliance.