title: EuroFIR quality approach for managing food composition data; where are we in 2014?
abstract: A EuroFIR quality management framework was developed to assure data quality of food composition data, incorporating several recommendations developed or improved during the EuroFIR projects. A flow chart of the compilation process with standard operating procedures to assure critical steps was the starting point. Recommendations for food description, component identification, value documentation, recipe calculation, quality evaluation of values, guidelines to assess analytical methods, document and data repositories and training opportunities were harmonized as elements of the quality framework. European food composition database organizations reached consensus on the EuroFIR quality framework and started implementation. Peer reviews of the European compiler organizations were organized to evaluate the quality framework, focusing on what was achieved and on improvements needed. The reviews demonstrated that European food database compilers have made good use of standards and guidelines produced by EuroFIR, as well as a common understanding that a quality framework is essential to assure food composition data quality.
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands; EuroFIR AISBL Board of Directors, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Westenbrink
authors.affiliation: Institute of Food Research (IFR), Norwich, UK.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roe
authors.affiliation: French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), Paris, France.
authors.forename: Marine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oseredczuk
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Health (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal.
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Castanheira
authors.affiliation: Institute of Food Research (IFR), Norwich, UK; EuroFIR AISBL Board of Directors, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Finglas
mesh_terms: D016208:Databases, Factual; D005060:Europe; D005504:Food Analysis / Q000592:standards*; D063427:Food Quality; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans
keywords: Data quality; EuroFIR; Food composition data; Food composition database; Quality management system