Foods for special dietary uses (FSDU) are defined by Codex Alimentarius (CXS 146-1985) as ‘foods which are specially processed or formulated to satisfy particular dietary requirements which exist because of a particular physical or physiological condition and/or specific diseases and disorders and which are presented as such’ and which ‘must differ significantly from the composition of ordinary foods of comparable nature if such ordinary foods exist’

This brochure explains the common processes used by manufacturers of FSDU. All processes serve a purpose that can generally be classified as “Food Safety” or “Nutritional” and the reasons behind the processes and formulations are key elements rooted in the very nature of FSDU.

The brochure also explains the specific role and function of different categories of additives.

In addition to the brochure, there are also five ‘one-pagers’ illustrating examples of processing flows for powder FSDU, liquid FSDU, baby foods, infant cereals and extruded snacks.

Download the brochure and processing flowcharts:

• Common processes used in the manufacturing of FSDU and the rationale for their use – download
• Powder FSDU processing flowchart – download
• Liquid FSDU processing flowchart – download
• Baby foods processing flowchart – download
• Infant cereals processing flowchart – download
• Extruded snacks processing flowchart – download