November 2025 IDDSI e-bite

Banana vs Banana - Facts behind using IDDSI Testing Methods: 

IDDSI has often been asked why we don’t use lists of foods and drinks that would meet the criteria for the various IDDSI levels instead of having to test. The answer to this is that given the overwhelming variety of foods, drinks and methods of preparation around the world, it would be impossible to be reliable or accurate in listing specific foods or drinks.

Consider the behavior of 2 bananas – one is green and the other is yellow and brown (ripe). If you perform the fork pressure test on equal sized pieces, the ripe banana will likely pass and the green banana would NOT, even if it was the correct size! 

Why did IDDSI choose spoons, forks, chopsticks and the 10 ml syringe or IDDSI funnel as the tools for doing testing?  

The preparation of food and drinks for individuals may be carried out in large commercial facilities or in one’s home. Our goal was to improve safety for individuals with swallowing difficulties of all ages, all cultures and all care settings. In order to achieve this, we required tools that were easy to access, easy to use and available for use at the point of serving the meal.  This means the IDDSI testing methods for both foods and drinks, can be learned and carried out by everyone – including individuals with dysphagia, family members and carers as well as health professionals, researchers and industry representatives.  

Testing methods should be used to confirm the food or drink is meeting the recommended IDDSI level. Resources, including videos, handouts and testing reference cards were developed and posted on the IDDSI website and we encourage you to check these out. IDDSI Resources

Is there any science behind the IDDSI testing methods? Yes! Our February 2025 ebite details a wonderful summary authored by Dr. Ben Hanson, about the IDDSI Flow test. Check it out: February 2025 e-bite

Testing methods for foods is more complex! A review of the literature helped confirm that measurement of foods needs to capture both the mechanical properties (e.g. hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness etc.) and the geometrical or shape attributes of the food. The IDDSI descriptions of food texture and characteristics, food texture requirements and restrictions have been generated from existing national terminologies and literature describing properties that increase risk for choking. 

On our IDDSI website, you can find a talk by Dr. Ben Hanson on The Science behind IDDSI Testing Methods. We encourage you to take some time to watch this webinar as Dr. Hanson guides you through the complex science behind food and liquid testing. View it here: Dr Hanson Webinar

Asia IDDSI and ADS Conference 2025

Congratulations to the 2^nd Asian Dysphagia Conference (ADS) 2025 organizing committee for a most successful conference. Many thanks to ADS for inviting IDDSI to be a part of the program. It was amazing to see the numerous presentations and posters highlighting IDDSI.  

Global Updates

Argentina: As part of the IX Argentine Dysphagia Congress held in August 2025, in the city of Córdoba, the IDDSI Argentina Reference Group had an active participation.

As a pre-congress activity, the group organized a workshop aimed at healthcare professionals interested in implementing the IDDSI framework. During the congress, the group hosted an IDDSI booth, which served as a meeting point to share informational materials, answer attendees' questions, and promote the use of the IDDSI framework at a national level. Daily live demonstrations were held, and a traditional local drink thickened to Level 1 was offered for attendees to taste. For all the details go to: ARGENTINA IRG Webpage Congratulations Argentina IRG!

IDDSI Introduction In Ecuador

This past 20 November, Perú IRG co-leader, Ivan Ramos, accepted an invitation to present at the Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador. The program was hosted by the Phonoaudiology (speech pathology) faculty. Mr. Ramos introduced IDDSI and evidence behind the framework, as well as conducted a hands-on workshop for all participants. Many thanks to Ivan for spreading the IDDSI word from Perú over to Ecuador. 

If you are interested in joining an IDDSI Reference Group, please email the contact for the group. We welcome everyone who wants to help with guiding & fostering IDDSI implementation. Being part of a reference group is a great opportunity to meet IDDSI friends in your local, regional area. And you never know, something amazing may happen when great brains come together!

Don't see an IDDSI Reference Group for your practise or regional area? Interested in starting an IDDSI reference group to help support IDDSI implementation in your regional or practice area? Fill out the form here.

Webinars and IDDSI Learning

Webinar: Dysphagia at the Festive Table: Embracing Everyone

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025

Times:

5:00 AM Pacific Time

8:00 AM Eastern Time

1:00 PM London

2:00 PM Rome, Madrid, Paris

6:30 PM Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi

On World Dysphagia Day, we invite you to learn from experts about the challenges of dysphagia and how to create inclusive dining experiences.

We'll create a festive menu that features delicious recipes tailored for those with swallowing difficulties, led by a renowned chef. Let's celebrate inclusivity around the table!

This webinar is for anyone interested in swallowing difficulties or dysphagia - healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers.

Programme:

1. Welcome by Peter Lam, RD, CFE, CEO IDDSI Global.

2. Beyond Swallowing Difficulties: the psychosocial health of dysphagia with Dr Paula Collazo, PhD. Psychologist, Universidad Pontificia de Comillas, Madrid, Spain. 

3. The Role of Nutrition in Supporting Patients with Dysphagia with Dr. Emanuele Cereda, MD, PhD. Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy. 



4. Festive Dining for All: Menus for Adults with Swallowing Difficulties with Elizabeth Perez, Gastronomic Chef and Culinary Advisor, Food Project Barcelona, Spain. 

5. Q&A

To register and for more information please go to: this link

2026 US IDDSI Virtual Conference

Tired of confusing questions about implementation?

Ready to arm yourself with better ways to advocate for the IDDSI framework across the continuum of care? 

Join IDDSI experts virtually throughout 2026 as they demystify all things IDDSI. Get clear answers to your most frequently asked questions and ensure safer, more consistent care for your patients and loved ones across the lifespan.

Dates: 6 session series, each at 12:00 PM EST, Online via Zoom

1. Wednesday, January 28, 2026: Becoming Familiar with IDDSI: Website and Resources
2. Wednesday, February 25, 2026: Forming Your Team
3. Wednesday, March 4, 2026: Your Own Personal IDDSI Implementation Calendar
4. Wednesday, April 29, 2026: Spread the Word! Education for Key Stakeholders
5. Wednesday, May 20, 2026: Check Out the Food and Drinks! Mapping and Menu Development
6. Wednesday, June 3, 2026: Clinical Communication: Assessment, Charting & Patient Materials

Conference Details:

• Register for the entire 6-session series, covering full IDDSI implementation, for $75.00 USD
• Sessions will be provided via Zoom platform (links will be shared after registration and ahead of meetings)
• Recordings will be available for 30 days after each session

For program details and more information on each session, go to the US Virtual Conference Event page: US Virtual Event

Webinar: IDDSI Implementation and Culinary Q&A

Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Time: 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET

Summary: Your questions answered LIVE! This is a practical session focused on answering your questions on IDDSI implementation with a particular focus on culinary. The Canadian IDDSI Reference Group’s Culinary and LTC Working Group has assembled a panel of experts to provide an hour to answer your questions.

To register and for more information please go to: this link

If you have any suggestions for webinar topics, we’d love to hear them! Head over to our Contact Us form, choose subject “Webinars”, and let us know what you’d like to see in the upcoming months. 

Upcoming Events:

•  Join us for the UK Swallow Research Group (UKSRG) Conference 2026 — two inspiring days all about swallowing and dysphagia! Hear from leading international experts and discover cutting-edge research shaping the future of dysphagia care. February 4 - 5, 2026, Edgbaston Park Hotel, Birmingham. To register, scan the QR code below or click on the link here: Oxford Abstracts Delegate Registration

• DRS (Dysphagia Research Society) Annual Conference, March 4 - 7, 2026, Aurora Colorado 2026 Annual Conference - Dysphagia Research Society
• IV Latin American Dysphagia Congress (CLAD IV) organized by SLAD (Latin American Dysphagia Society) Conference, Wed, May 20 to Sat, May 23, 2026, Cancún, Mexico