T/SATA 094-2025 in Plain Language: Hong Kong's Care Food Standard Explained

Why a Standard Was Needed

Before T/SATA 094-2025, there was no single authoritative reference for what "dysphagia food" meant in Hong Kong. Care homes, hospital caterers, and food producers each interpreted IDDSI differently. Labelling claims were unverified. There was no mechanism to distinguish genuine IDDSI-compliant products from those that merely claimed compliance.

T/SATA 094-2025 — the Group Standard for Dysphagia Care Food Products — was developed under the auspices of the Service Advancement for Total Aids Association (SATA) to provide that authoritative reference. It became effective in 2025 and is now cited in procurement specifications by a growing number of Hong Kong care facilities.

This guide explains what the standard requires in plain language. It is not a substitute for reading the full standard document, which is available through SATA.

What the Standard Covers

T/SATA 094-2025 applies to commercially produced texture-modified food products intended for people with dysphagia. It covers:

Product classification: Products must be classified by IDDSI level (3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 for solid foods; 0, 1, 2, or 3 for liquids). Manufacturers cannot use vague terms like "soft food" without an IDDSI level designation.

Physical texture testing: The standard mandates that products be tested using the IDDSI testing methods. For liquid products, the flow test using a standardised 10 mL syringe. For solid products, the fork pressure test and spoon tilt test. Test results must be documented and available for audit.

Nutritional composition: Products must meet minimum nutritional density thresholds appropriate for elderly with disease. The standard specifies minimum protein content per 100 kcal and sets an upper limit on sodium content for regular items.

Labelling requirements: Labels must display the IDDSI level, serving instructions, preparation method, storage conditions, and allergen information. The IDDSI level must be displayed prominently — not buried in small print.

Food safety: Products must comply with relevant Hong Kong food safety legislation including microbiological standards and approved additive lists.

What the Standard Does Not Cover

T/SATA 094-2025 is a group standard, not a government regulation — it is voluntary for manufacturers unless a purchaser (such as a hospital or care home) specifically requires compliance in their procurement contract. It does not replace Hospital Authority or Social Welfare Department food safety audits. It does not currently cover homemade food prepared in care home kitchens (though this is under discussion for future revisions).

What This Means for Care Homes

A care home that requires its food supplier to hold T/SATA 094-2025 certification gains a documented quality assurance baseline. This is important for: risk management (documented evidence that food meets IDDSI levels), staff training (staff can reference the certified product label without recalculating texture), and regulatory compliance (demonstrating due diligence in resident safety).

Care homes should request from their supplier: a copy of the T/SATA 094-2025 product test certificates, the IDDSI level designated for each product, and the preparation and storage instructions that maintain the certified level.

What This Means for Families

When purchasing commercially prepared dysphagia food products, look for T/SATA 094-2025 certification or explicit IDDSI level labelling. If a product claims "Level 4" without supporting test documentation, this is a red flag.

For SeniorDeli products: All SeniorDeli products are developed to align with IDDSI definitions and T/SATA 094-2025 requirements. Our [products page](/products) provides the IDDSI level and preparation guidance for each product, and our [standards page](/standards) includes links to the relevant regulatory documentation.

For more background on how IDDSI levels relate to day-to-day food preparation, see our [IDDSI beginner's guide](/blog/iddsi-beginners-guide) and our [gellants, thickeners, and softeners comparison](/blog/gellants-thickeners-softeners-guide).

Citations

Service Advancement for Total Aids Association (2025). T/SATA 094-2025: Group Standard for Dysphagia Care Food Products. Hong Kong. IDDSI (2019). IDDSI Framework: Detailed Definitions. iddsi.org. Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (2024). Food Safety Legislation in Hong Kong. fehd.gov.hk.