ISDI brings together national and international associations active in this food sector from more than 20 countries on over 6 continents. ISDI is an industry platform for debate on regulatory, technical and scientific issues regarding special dietary foods.
About Us
Specialised nutrition, also known as foods for special dietary uses (FSDU), comprises foods that are specially processed or formulated to satisfy particular dietary requirements, which may exist because of certain physical or physiological conditions and/or specific diseases and disorders. The composition of FSDU must differ significantly from ordinary foods of a comparable nature.
It includes maternal, infant and young child nutrition, foods for special medical purposes (FSMP), dietetic nutrition, sports foods and gluten-free foods.
From the earliest stages of life to older age, good nutrition is central to growth, development, health and quality of life. Science-based special dietary foods help to prevent and manage nutritional deficiencies, and support the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations with special dietary needs around the world.
Specialised nutrition relies on robust, science‑based regulatory frameworks to ensure safety, quality and fitness for purpose for vulnerable populations with special dietary needs. Internationally aligned standards, validated methods of analysis, scientific tools, and ongoing research and innovation underpin the development and regulation of safe and nutritious foods for special dietary uses.
Responsible practices are fundamental to the development and provision of special dietary foods that serve vulnerable populations. This includes ethical engagement with stakeholders, responsible and transparent marketing, support for public health goals and the provision of accurate, science‑based information, as well as ensuring sustainable practices across the value chain.
On World Food Safety Day, the International Special Dietary Foods Industries (ISDI) joins the global community in reaffirming a shared commitment to safe food for all.
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On World Food Safety Day, the International Special Dietary Foods Industries (ISDI) joins the global community in reaffirming a shared commitment to safe food for all.
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ISDI elected a new Governing Board at its General Assembly meeting on 24 February 2026.
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ISDI is supporting work on a new ISO standard for Malnutrition Prevention, Detection and Treatment, which will serve as a blueprint for the effective treatment of malnutrition in healthcare facilities worldwide.
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UNICEF’s 2025 Child Nutrition Report, published on 10 September 2025, raises important questions about the prevalence of malnutrition, particularly overweight and obesity, and the importance of food environments that provide nutritious and healthy foods.
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The new ISDI website – Test Methods for Special Dietary Foods – provides a comprehensive guide to the most suitable analytical methods for determining nutrients in special dietary foods.
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The special dietary foods industries are proud to provide people with the essential safe and nutritious foods they need to live, grow and thrive. This would not be possible without science.
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ISDI and its members support efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of infants and young children.
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The quality and safety of infant formula is of utmost importance to manufacturers, particularly given that these products are intended for the most vulnerable population – infants.
ISDI responded to the call for comments on the provisional ‘WHO Guideline Development Group for ultra-processed foods’. Read them in full.
ISDI is a not-for-profit trade association. Being an international federation, ISDI members are national and regional associations sharing the same objectives. Members of national association are companies manufacturing special dietary foods. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member or are ready to join ISDI, please enter your email address below so we can contact you.
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