IDDSIdex

IDDSIdex

IDDSIdex

About 590 million people around the world have trouble chewing or swallowing, which is called dysphagia. To eat and drink safely, they often need to follow a special diet. In the past, different places used different terms for food and drink textures, which made things confusing.

About 590 million people around the world have trouble chewing or swallowing, which is called dysphagia. To eat and drink safely, they often need to follow a special diet. In the past, different places used different terms for food and drink textures, which made things confusing.

That’s where IDDSI comes in, it’s a global effort to get everyone on the same page and make things safer for people with swallowing issues.

That’s where IDDSI comes in, it’s a global effort to get everyone on the same page and make things safer for people with swallowing issues.

www.IDDSIdex.com

A group of childhood friends joined forces to start a Dutch foundation, each bringing their own expertise to the table. The initiative is led by Marise Neijman, a speech therapist (logopedist) with specialized knowledge in the field. Alex van der Sluis, the application manager, ensures that all food products are accurately entered into the database. Iskander Krayenbosch, the creative director, oversees the brand identity and marketing efforts. And last but not least, Frans Garssen contributes as a doctor and trusted advisor.

We’re all about sharing knowledge and working together. That’s why anyone can contribute to the database by using the submit button. We want to keep the info as accurate as possible, so it might take a little time before your submission shows up. Every product gets reviewed and sometimes retested, before being added. We also always check how temperature affects thickness and texture, since that can make a big difference. We test everything at three different temperatures:

Alongside the framework of levels, colors, and numbers, IDDSI has created quick, simple, and objective test methods, the syringe test, fork test, and spoon test. These tests help classify foods and drinks according to the IDDSI framework. They allow you to check within seconds whether a food or drink matches the level recommended by a speech therapist. However, it's important to ensure the tests are performed and interpreted correctly for accurate results.

Iskander Krayenbosch

© 2025

Iskander Krayenbosch

© 2025

Iskander Krayenbosch

© 2025