What is the GBA Care Food Standard?
T/SATA 084-2025 is the first unified care food group standard for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, published by the Shenzhen Analysis and Testing Association and effective from June 2025.
This standard is significant as the first to simultaneously cover mainland China (Guangdong Province), Hong Kong, and Macau in care food quality requirements.
Who Developed This Standard?
The standard was jointly proposed by the Hong Kong Medical Association (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), with drafting organisations including:
- Tung Wah Group of Hospitals
- Po Leung Kuk
- Mitsui & Co. (Hong Kong)
- HKU Swallowing Research Laboratory
- Carewells Limited / SeniorDeli
Relationship with IDDSI
T/SATA 084-2025 uses IDDSI as its classification basis and adds instrument testing specifications for more objective quality control:
| IDDSI Test | T/SATA Additional Test |
|---|---|
| Fork Pressure Test (subjective) | Texture analyser hardness (N/mΒ²) |
| Syringe Flow Test (subjective) | Rotational viscometer viscosity (cP) |
Technical Specifications
Hardness Standards (Food)
| IDDSI Level | Hardness Limit |
|---|---|
| Level 6 / 7EC | < 5Γ10β΄ N/mΒ² |
| Level 5 | < 2Γ10β΄ N/mΒ² |
| Level 4 | < 5Γ10Β³ N/mΒ² |
Viscosity Standards (Beverages, starch-based thickener)
| IDDSI Level | Viscosity Range (cP) |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | β€ 40 |
| Level 1 | 40β105 |
| Level 2 | 105β255 |
| Level 3 | 255β1,355 |
| Level 4 | > 1,355 |
Microbiological Limits (Food Safety)
| Item | Limit |
|---|---|
| Total plate count | β€ 10β΅ CFU/g |
| Coliform bacteria | β€ 10 CFU/g |
| Salmonella | Not detected |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Not detected |
Nutritional Recommendations
- INQ (Index of Nutritional Quality): Recommended 1.5β2.0
- Ensures adequate nutrition even when elderly residents have reduced food intake
Implications for Hong Kong Care Homes
Q: Do care homes need to comply immediately?
Currently a recommended group standard (not legally mandated). However, it is expected to progressively influence government procurement requirements and insurance terms.
Q: How should care homes prepare?
- Request T/SATA 084-2025 compliance declarations from suppliers
- Obtain hardness/viscosity test data for products
- Staff training on IDDSI plus basic instrument testing knowledge
Q: What does this mean for procurement decisions?
Purchasing products that comply with the GBA standard both protects resident safety and aligns with future regulatory trends.
Last updated: May 2026 Source: T/SATA 084-2025 (Shenzhen Analysis and Testing Association, 2025)