“Development of a relational database for LATINFOODS: a tool for food composition data compilation”

ARIEL VEGA ; HUMBERTO PAGANINI; NATALIA BASSETT; MANUEL LOBO; NORMA SAMMAN.

Norwich

Conferencia; 9th International Food Data Conference (9th IFDC); 2011

As a follow-up activity of the FAO TCP/RLA /3107 project, an interdisciplinary team was formed for the development of a food composition data compilation software program and the modeling of a database (DB) in a database server, based on the compilation charts agreed for LATINFOODS. The program allows the classification of foods according to the food groups established by LATINFOODS and for their description using the LanguaL System. INFOODS tagnames for food components are included as well. The program also stores information on nutrient content in specific sheets for each group, where data, statistical values (number of samples, average, standard deviation, maximum, minimum), sample descriptions, sample handling, origin and analytical methods are recorded, allowing for the processing of information from various sources. Electronic forms include field controls in all charts, as well as user levels and licenses to make data handling easier and ensure data safety. The application creates a sheet which displays whether the compiled information complies with the minimum obligatory requirements to be entered into the DB. The DB allows a structure of local, national and regional nodes, where the compiled information is stored until approved by assessing committees. Information may be transferred between nodes. The technology used (Oracle Express and JAVA) complies with open source software requirements. The relational software and database are being tested with a view to using them in all of the LATINFOODS chapters and in the LATINFOODS Regional FCDB. It is an informatics solution that provides a more versatile, economical and accessible way to update and manage information currently displayed in conventional food composition tables.