T/SATA 094-2025 — Greater Bay Area Dysphagia Food Standard
The first comprehensive GBA care food standard — IDDSI-aligned, September 2025
Published by the Shenzhen Analysis and Testing Association (深圳市分析測試協會), T/SATA 094-2025 sets GBA-wide texture, nutrition, and labelling requirements for dysphagia food in elderly residential care.
What Is T/SATA 094-2025?
T/SATA 094-2025 is a Group Standard (團體標準) published in September 2025 by the Shenzhen Analysis and Testing Association (深圳市分析測試協會 / SATA). It is the first comprehensive dysphagia food standard designed specifically for the Greater Bay Area care sector. The standard adopts IDDSI levels and adds GBA-specific nutritional minimums, mandatory testing methods, and labelling requirements for institutional food packaging.
Carewells' Role — Participating Drafting Unit
Carewells Limited (SeniorDeli) was invited as a Participating Drafting Unit (參編單位) in the T/SATA 094-2025 drafting group — one of fewer than 10 organisations involved. This is the highest form of standards recognition available to a commercial entity in the Chinese group standards system. Carewells also holds Participating Drafting Unit status for the two companion standards T/SATA 084-2025 and T/SATA 085-2025.
Note: Carewells holds Participating Drafting Unit (參編單位) status. Public registry verification is pending on ttbz.org.cn.
Three Related GBA Care Food Standards
Carewells participated in drafting all three standards in the T/SATA care food series:
| Standard | Scope | Carewells Role |
|---|---|---|
| T/SATA 084-2025 | General elderly food (non-dysphagia) | Participating Drafting Unit |
| T/SATA 085-2025 | Elderly nutritional supplement guidelines | Participating Drafting Unit |
| T/SATA 094-2025 | Dysphagia food (care food) | Participating Drafting Unit |
What T/SATA 094-2025 Covers
Scope
Dysphagia food for residential elderly care in the Greater Bay Area — covering Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and 9 other GBA cities.
7 Texture Categories
4 food texture categories and 3 liquid texture categories, mapping to IDDSI Levels 3–7. Each category has defined physical and sensory requirements.
Mandatory Testing Methods
Fork Drip Test, Flow Test, and Spoon Tilt Test are mandatory testing methods. Results must be documented for institutional procurement audits.
IDDSI Labelling Requirements
IDDSI level must be declared on institutional food packaging. Standardised labelling enables consistent communication between facilities, caterers, and suppliers.
Nutritional Minimums
Protein density requirements are specified per texture category, ensuring that texture modification does not compromise the nutritional adequacy of meals.
SeniorDeli Products — T/SATA 094-2025 Compliance
All four SeniorDeli texture modification products map to T/SATA 094-2025 texture categories:
| Product | T/SATA 094 Texture Category | IDDSI Level |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Thickener | Liquid Level 1–4 | IDDSI 1–4 |
| Food Gellant | Food Level 3–4 | IDDSI 3–5 |
| Cold Gellant | Food Level 4 | IDDSI 4 |
| Food Softener | Food Level 5–6 | IDDSI 5–6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is T/SATA 094-2025 a mandatory standard?▾
No, it is a Group Standard (voluntary) but widely adopted in SWD-linked RCHE procurement specifications. Using T/SATA-aligned products supports compliance with tender requirements.
How does T/SATA 094-2025 relate to IDDSI?▾
The two are complementary. T/SATA 094-2025 adopts IDDSI levels as its texture classification system and adds GBA-specific nutritional minimums, mandatory testing methods, and labelling requirements on top.
Can our care home get a T/SATA compliance certificate?▾
Yes, compliance testing is available via SATA testing laboratories. Contact us for guidance on the compliance audit process and how SeniorDeli products can support your facility's compliance.
Does T/SATA 094-2025 apply outside Hong Kong?▾
The standard is designed for the Greater Bay Area — covering Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and 9 other GBA cities. It is relevant for any care institution serving the GBA elderly population.
How does T/SATA 094-2025 affect SWD care home procurement?▾
SWD-subsidised RCHEs increasingly specify T/SATA-compliant products in tender documents. Using T/SATA-aligned products provides audit-ready documentation automatically, reducing administrative burden during procurement reviews.
Ready to Meet GBA Care Food Standards?
Download our compliance pack, request staff training, or contact us with your IDDSI and T/SATA questions.