Implementation
Q: Is IDDSI mandatory?
A: Implementation of IDDSI is not mandatory and the IDDSI Board of Directors has always been clear that while we hope the global community will embrace IDDSI for the safety of those with dysphagia, it is not mandatory. That being said, some countries, regions or health authorities may mandate adoption to ensure consistent implementation of IDDSI.
Q: Does IDDSI certify or offer certification or endorsement of products?
A: IDDSI has received several inquiries about whether products, educational courses, consulting/testing services, laboratories are certified or endorsed by IDDSI. Some recent advertisements, products/services and websites have included the IDDSI logo along with claims such as ‘IDDSI certified’, ‘IDDSI compliant’ or ‘IDDSI third-party tested’ leading consumers to think that they have been specially endorsed or approved by IDDSI.
For clarification, IDDSI DOES NOT certify, endorse, test, approve or promote any specific products or services. IDDSI’s primary goal is to foster and promote the use of the IDDSI framework, standardised terminology and testing methods to improve safety, for all ages, all care settings and all cultures.
We kindly ask all IDDSI users, companies, organisations/societies, education services to help us to maintain one central source for IDDSI information from the IDDSI website (www.iddsi.org). If you are referencing any materials from IDDSI, please make sure to include information to direct your audiences back to the IDDSI website.
Q: What are the correct IDDSI abbreviations?
A: Abbreviations were developed for all Levels of food and drink in the IDDSI Framework. To avoid confusion with other medical terms, we request that when using an abbreviation that the letter(s) are stated before the number. For example:
- Level 7 Easy to Chew. use the abbreviation EC7,
- Level 5 Minced and Moist, use the abbreviation MM5
- Level 3 Moderately Thick MO3
- Level 3 Liquidised LQ3
Q: Does IDDSI provide individual meal plans?
A: No. IDDSI does not provide or approve individual meal plans or prescribe IDDSI levels to individuals - that responsibility remains with the medical practitioner or dysphagia professional.
Q: Does IDDSI offer in-person training?
A: No, IDDSI does not offer individual or organizational training or consulting. IDDSI has created free and downloadable resources such as product labelling guidelines, testing cards, audit sheets, and webinar recordings, so individuals and organizations can create their own plan. We do not review or endorse implementation plans.
Q: Does IDDSI have a list of foods and their corresponding IDDSI level?
A: No. IDDSI does not maintain a list of specific foods or recipes that correspond to an IDDSI level. IDDSI promotes the use of IDDSI Testing Methods to confirm the flow or textural characteristics of a particular food or drink at the time of service, as characteristics of foods and drinks may change with time, temperature, or method of production.