Viscgo Fork - Viscgo Limited

Food Consistency Test Fork

The Viscgo Food Consistency Test Fork is a convenient tool that makes it easier to carry out the IDDSI Food Tests, removing subjectivity, increasing accuracy and therefore reducing risk.

Page 6 of the IDDSI Framework Testing Methods 2.0 states “IDDSI provides testing methods that use forks and spoons to minimize the need for subjectivity … Forks and spoons were chosen as they are inexpensive, easily accessible and available in most food preparation and dining environments.”1

Although IDDSI aim to minimise subjectivity, readily available forks are NOT standardised and have DIFFERENT dimensions and properties so subjectivity remains.

By contrast, the Viscgo Food Consistency Test Fork has standardised dimensions and properties that conform precisely with those required by the IDDSI Food Testing Methods. This removes subjectivity, increases accuracy and therefore reduces risk.

For Level 3 Liquidised, IDDSI state the fluid food “drips slowly or in dollops or strands through the tines or prongs of a fork.”1

The gap between the tines or prongs of the Viscgo Fork are standardized at 4 mm to ensure Fork Drip Tests for Level 3 are objective and consistent.

For Level 4 Pureed, IDDSI state the fluid food “sits in a mound or pile above the fork. A small amount may flow through and form a short tail below the fork. Does not dollop, flow or drip continuously through the fork prongs.”1

Again. the gap between the prongs of the Viscgo Fork are standardized at 4 mm to ensure Fork Drip Tests for Level 4 are objective and consistent.

For Level 5 Minced and Moist, IDDSI recommend a food particle size of 4 mm for adults and 2 mm for infants.

The Viscgo Fork has 2 mm and 4 mm slots and the gaps between the tines or prongs of the fork are also 4 mm to make it easy to accurately measure food particle size for adults and infants.

For Level 6 Soft & Bite Sized, IDDSI recommend a food sample size of 15 mm for adults and 8 mm for infants.

The Viscgo Fork handle has an 8 mm slot and 15 mm gauge and the width of the fork handle is 15 mm to make it easy to accurately measure food sample size for adults and infants.

How to perform the IDDSI Fork Pressure Test using the Viscgo Food Consistency Test Fork for Level 5 Transitional Foods, Level 6 and Level 7

Page 9 of the IDDSI Framework Testing Methods 2.0 states “A fork can be applied to the food sample to observe its behaviour when pressure is applied. Pressure applied to the food sample has been quantified by assessment of the pressure needed to make the thumb nail blanch noticeably to white … The pressure applied to make the thumb nail blanch has been measured at 17 kiloPascals.”1

This is highly subjective. A different amount of pressure will be required for different people’s thumb nails to “blanch noticeably to white” and what “blanch noticeably to white” means is open to interpretation.

By contrast, the Viscgo Fork has a built-in pressure gauge calibrated to the correct pressure to perform the IDDSI fork pressure test accurately. This removes subjectivity, increases accuracy and therefore reduces risk.

All you have to do is perform the IDDSI fork pressure test as per IDDSI’s instructions but instead of using your usual fork(s) and pressing until your thumb blanches, which is subjective and not standardized, use the Viscgo Fork and press until the top of the gauge is level (flush) with the top surface of the fork.

For transitional food, IDDSI recommend using a food sample that is 15mm by 15mm. The handle of the Viscgo fork is 15mm wide so is a convenient way to measure a transitional food sample.