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Approach and Resources for the Sustainable Update of the Portuguese Food Composition Database: A Multi-Source and Collaborative Strategy
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Background and Objectives: The National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) compiles the Portuguese Food Composition Database (FCDB). Since the first edition in 1961, formats, components, data sources, and management have evolved. Participation in the EuroFIR Network (2005–2010) helped INSA establish strategies, collaborative networks, and infrastructures to ensure regular updates and long-term sustainability. The 2023 version (6.0) includes 44 components for 1330 generic foods, with a new release planned for early 2025.
This study presents the strategy and resources for updating the FCDB, integrating analytical and other data sources, while highlighting the role of stakeholders and digital tools in the process.
Methods: To ensure data accuracy, INSA conducts an annual analytical program, analysing 12–22 food pool samples in its accredited laboratories. This program prioritizes key foods and components, under the Analytical Updating Commission (AUC).
For the 2025 update, Total Diet Study (TDS) nutrient samples were evaluated for adequacy to generic food profiles. Additional analytical data from the industry and distribution sectors were collected via PortFIR’s working group (GTTCA), while addressing user needs.
Additionally, European food composition resources (e.g., FoodExplorer-EuroFIR) and food labelling data were used to enhance data completeness. FoodCASE® ensures compliance with EuroFIR’s technical requirements, with automated checks detecting inconsistencies, which are then manually reviewed and corrected.
Results: The 2025 FCDB update includes new foods and components, along with nutrient revisions (mainly salt and sugar) linked to the national reformulation strategy. The annual analytical program, based on AUC prioritization, provides high-quality nutrient data, improving dietary representativeness.
Regarding TDS-based analytical data, 164 TDS samples were analysed, with nearly 58% integrated into the FCDB, based on composition suitability. The GTTCA, which meets bimonthly, includes 74 members, representing data users and producers, playing a key role in revising the FCDB, ensuring national data access, and addressing user needs.
The PortFIR® website remains a key dissemination platform, providing free access to the FCDB, along with tools for food comparisons, recipe calculations, and dataset downloads.
Conclusions: A multi-source, collaborative approach is key to ensuring sustainable FCDB updates. However, financial constraints remain a major challenge, as the Ministry of Health lacks dedicated funding for analytical programs. Additional resources and institutional support are essential to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the FCDB, supporting nutrition research, public health, and the food industry.
Descrição
Abstract available: FAO. 14th International Food Data Conference, 1–3 September 2025, Rome, Italy: agenda and book of abstracts. Rome: FAO, 2025. p .54.
Palavras-chave
Food Composition Nutrients Analytical Data Consumer Health Information Food Data Harmonization Tabela da Composição de Alimentos Composição dos Alimentos