Food safety
Serve only the prescribed food texture
Prepare soft, minced, pureed, or thickened items exactly as specified by the healthcare, dietetic, or speech team.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12
Why it matters
Food that is too hard, slippery, sticky, or incorrectly mixed can increase choking or aspiration risk.
Wrong action
Changing a pureed meal to ordinary food by appearance, or adding liquid without instruction.
Correct action
Follow the latest written care direction for every meal; if unclear, pause and tell the employer.
What to do
- Read the latest food-texture and drink-consistency direction.
- Prepare and check each item separately without changing its texture.
- Before serving, recheck the person, meal type, and texture.
If something happens
Stop feeding for persistent coughing and encourage an effective cough. If the person cannot cough effectively, speak, or breathe, call 999 immediately and follow dispatcher guidance or trained age-appropriate choking first aid. Do not force drinks or food.
Sources and review
- Department of Health, Elderly Health Service — Feeding Skills for Carers of Frail Elderly
Last reviewed: 2026-09-12 - Hong Kong Fire Services Department — Post-dispatch Advice
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.