IDDSI Errors Uncovered in MMQAs
- OSCAR Care Group
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 14 minutes ago
Getting texture modified diets right is one of the most important ways to keep residents safe, happy, and well-nourished in aged care. Yet our Menu & Mealtime Quality Assessments (MMQAs) completed in 2025 show that understanding and applying IDDSI standards remains a significant challenge.
Our Dietitians observed issues such as incorrect food particle sizes, serving peas to residents on a puree diet, offering ice cream to residents on texture modified diets, and many other serious concerns. Unfortunately, these problems are not isolated to a few homes, a single state, or one aged care organisation — they were seen repeatedly across homes nationwide, under a variety of operators.
In this article, we dive into the most common IDDSI errors our dietitians identified and share practical tips to help aged care homes consistently provide safe, compliant, and enjoyable texture modified meals.
There are more common errors found in MMQAs other than Texture modification. Take a look at our article MMQAs: What to do, What not to do in 2026? for further insights.
Insights from 2025 MMQAs: Common IDDSI Errors
The biggest and reoccurring issues uncovered in MMQAs were IDDSI inconsistencies. Let’s explore what these errors are and highlight what aged care homes should never do.
Fruit & vegetables
Raw vegetables, salads and lettuce have been provided to residents on texture modified diets. This is unsafe, and should not occur.
Juicy fruits such as watermelon have been provided to residents.
Skin on vegetables, such as beans, peas, green beans have been provided to residents. This is unsafe for residents on texture modified diets.
Skin on fruits, such as grapes and cherries have been provided to residents. These fruits are juicy, have seeds/pips and contain skins. This is unsafe for residents on texture modified diets.
Tough & Crispy foods
Tough foods such as steak have been provided to residents on texture modified diets. This is unsafe, and should not occur.
Crispy, crunchy foods such as battered fish have been provided to residents.
Sticky foods
Sticky/gluggy porridge
Sticky mashed potato
The above are examples of foods that have been provided to residents on texture modified diets. This is unsafe, and should not occur.
Food particles too big
Fish fillet served to residents on a soft & bite sized diet
Spaghetti bolognese, where the mince is too large to be served on a minced and moist diet.
Lumpy pumpkin for residents on a pureed diet.
The above are examples of foods that have been provided to residents on texture modified diets. If any of these errors came as a shock, it’s time for a refresher in IDDSI.
A quick reminder of the IDDSI guidelines:
MM5 size < 4mm x 4mm
SB6 size < 1.5cm x 1.5cm, cooked to fork tender
PU4 purees to be smooth and lump free, with no fibrous matter
To test foods following the IDDSI guidelines and ensure Chefs also have practical IDDSI training to know how to test food and fluids.
When was your team’s last IDDSI training?
It is essential that ALL staff who work with thickened fluids or texture modified foods (catering, care nursing and lifestyle staff) do a comprehensive IDDSI training on a yearly basis.
If this does not occur in your aged care home, start making training plans and get this approved. It is imperative for the safety of residents. We have monthly sessions available for individual staff members and small groups to join. Or book a group session (onsite or virtually) to improve the knowledge of your all staff.
Together, we can turn the lessons from 2025 MMQAs into action. With ongoing IDDSI training, we can make sure future MMQAs show safe, consistent, and enjoyable meals for all residents.
To book your next MMQA, organise IDDSI training or to find out more about our services, reach out to team today.
