Food composition databases: The EuroFIR approach to develop tools to assure the quality of the data compilation process

One of the aims of the EuroFIR project is to establish a quality framework for national food composition databases. This paper discusses quality requirements of the data compilation process. Following the analytical production of food composition data, the compilation process is the next most important step in production of food composition data. The internationally recognised and recommended systematic approach to the identification, evaluation and control of significant hazards, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), was used as a starting point. All steps in the compilation process are listed and presented as a generic EuroFIR flowchart describing the overall food data compilation process and identifying hazards and critical control points. The flowchart and standard operating procedures, documenting how to assure hazards at critical control points, are considered mandatory elements of the EuroFIR quality framework.