Dysphagia fine dining experience showcases award-winning innovation

Wiltshire Farm Foods held a fine dining event with a difference yesterday, as it welcomed people with dysphagia to a fine dining experience in London.

The Trowbridge-based food company has previously received a Queen’s Awards for innovation for the development of its Softer Foods meals, which are aimed at people with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties.

The lunch at Kapara Soho, London, was prepared by Wiltshire Farm Foods’ chefs Phil Rimmer and Jethro Lawrence, who has been a quarter-finalist on BBC MasterChef: The Professionals and finalist in National Chef of the Year.

Rimmer, said: “It’s been a privilege to work on the development of our Softer Foods range over 16 years, which enhances quality of life for so many of our customers living with dysphagia.

“Our puréed meals have been created using quality ingredients and state of the art technology, which ensures consistent smoothness and a safe texture that requires no chewing.”

The event was in partnership with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), and gave people with the condition a rare opportunity to enjoy a texture modified meal out with loved ones, friends, and carers.

TV personality and RCSLT president Nick Hewer said: “Swallowing difficulties often occur with other health issues such as dementia, stroke, and head and neck cancer.

“They can affect a person’s quality of life, including their ability to socialise with others. So many of our daily interactions with friends and family revolve around food and drink and this can be challenging for people with dysphagia. That’s why today’s event is so special.”