The DAFNE databank as a simple tool for nutrition policy. DAta Food NEtworking.
OBJECTIVE
To identify, quantify and depict variation of food habits in Europe, using data from the DAFNE (DAta Food NEtworking) databank.


METHODS
Household budget survey data of 12 European countries, namely Belgium, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom, around 1990.


RESULTS
Data from the DAFNE databank are presented in simple pictorial presentations, which reveal considerable disparities in food habits. Furthermore, there appears to be nutritional variation within countries by socio-demographic groups, defined by their residence and educational level. The distribution patterns of food availability provide insights into the determinants of food preferences, as conditioned by current forces.


CONCLUSIONS
The factors influencing consumer choice are many and varied. Thus, in order to promote healthy eating, it is essential to identify the food habits of the target population. In this context, information derived from household budget surveys, used in the development of the DAFNE databank, could be very important.
Trichopoulou
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Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece. antonia@nut.uoa.gr
D004522:Educational Status; D005060:Europe; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005502:Food / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005518:Food Preferences; D005843:Geography; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D018673:Nutrition Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009749:Nutrition Surveys