An Application of Criteria to Evaluate Quality of Dietary Fibre Data in Brazilian Foods

Abstract

Food composition data are very relevant to any study of human nutrition. An important consideration is the data control quality, which ensures the reliability of the information. It is not enough to have just data but their quality has to be evaluated. The analytical results will be considered unreliable if there is not a clear and accurate program of quality control. The dietary fibre (DF) was chosen as a model with the purpose of applying the USDA criteria used for evaluation of selenium, copper and carotenoids. The reason for this choice was the lack of data about this nutrient, and because of the important role DF plays in the prevention of chronic diseases. Dietary fibre data were graded through standardized questions and decision pathways developed for the categories listed as follows: number of samples, sampling plan, sample handling, analytical method and analytical quality control. From these categories a confidence code (CC) was established and Brazilian foods could be graded. The CC obtained for 180 foods were 29% with codes A and B (considerable and reasonable confidence) and 71% with code C (reduced confidence). However, it was not possible to establish the CC for 244 compiled foods due to the inadequate methodology applied to many of them. The quality evaluation of the DF data allowed not only assessment of reliable actual data, but the identification of priority foods for analysis as well. The evaluated DF data was then included in a Brazilian Food Composition Database (http://www.fcf.usp.br/tabela) which allowed users to obtain acceptable information on the intake of dietary fibre (DF) by the population.