FoodEx2 enhances the harmonization of food consumption, composition and carbon footprint databases

Abstract

Abstract Introduction FoodEx2 is a food classification and description system developed and maintained by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It is currently used at global level with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) to harmonize datasets in the FAO/WHO Global Individual Food consumption data Tool - FAO/WHO GIFT. This is an open access online platform hosted by FAO and supported by WHO, for collation and dissemination of individual quantitative food consumption data, especially from low- and middle-income countries. Objective To demonstrate FoodEx2's usefulness in global harmonization of food description in food consumption datasets and its potential in facilitating food matching for various types of food data. Methodology Information was gathered from data owners of food consumption datasets and others who were trained to use FoodEx2, and on the number of datasets that have initiated or completed their data harmonization process, as a result of the FAO/WHO/EFSA collaboration. Main Findings Over 50 data owners of food consumption data and/or food composition tables (FCT) have been trained in data re-categorization with FoodEx2. As a result, 6 FCT and 25 food consumption datasets from 18 countries were or are being coded with FoodEx2, and out of those, 30 datasets are or will soon be disseminated through FAO/WHO GIFT in the form of infographics and microdata. Additionally, at least 3 databases of greenhouse gas emission (GHGE) estimates of foods have been mapped with FoodEx2. Conclusions Increased harmonization with FoodEx2 would enhance the consistency and reliability of nutrient intake assessments. Harmonization with FoodEx2 is being used to assess the environmental impact of diets and help identifying sustainable food consumption patterns.