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International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative

Global framework that defines texture-modified foods and thickened liquids on a numeric scale from 0 to 7.

Also: IDDSI

IDDSI replaces inconsistent national diet labels (e.g., 'nectar-thick,' 'honey-thick'). Drinks are scaled 0 to 4 (thin to extremely thick), foods 3 to 7 (liquidised to regular). Each level has standardized flow and fork/spoon tests so it can be verified at the bedside. Adoption supports international consistency in dysphagia care.

How one textbook covers it

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 41

    IDDSI replaces inconsistent national diet labels (e.g., 'nectar-thick,' 'honey-thick'). Drinks are scaled 0 to 4 (thin to extremely thick), foods 3 to 7 (liquidised to regular). Each level has standardized flow and fork/spoon tests so it can be verified at the bedside. Adoption supports international consistency in dysphagia care.

Related terms

Dysphagia, Frazier Free Water Protocol