EuroFIR synthesis reports
- Church S. (2005) The history of European food composition databases. Synthesis report No. 1. (366 KB)
This first Synthesis Report gives a brief overview of the history of food composition databases in Europe. It outlines what food composition tables are and why they are needed and it describes key events in the development of food composition databases. Further, it provides examples to illustrate how requirements for food composition data have changed over time, using the UK food composition tables as an example. Finally, some of the products developed from food composition databases and how these have changed to reflect user requirements are discussed in this report.
- Williamson C. (2005) The different uses of food composition databases. Synthesis report No. 2. (363 KB)
The second Synthesis Report discusses the different uses of food composition data. It also considers the current limitations of food composition data and discusses future developments and the role of EuroFIR in the compilation of food composition data.
- Church S., Gilbert P. and Khokhar S. (2006) Ethnic groups and foods in Europe. Synthesis report No. 3. (431 KB)
This report on ‘Ethnic groups and foods in Europe’ outlines some of the main ethnic groups in Europe and describes the features of selected ethnic diets, in terms of foods consumed and traditional methods of cooking and preparation. It discusses the availability of and need for food composition data on ethnic foods and outlines work being undertaken on ethnic foods within the EuroFIR Network of Excellence.
- Denny A. and Buttriss J. (2007) Plant foods and health: focus on plant bioactives. Synthesis report No. 4.(764 KB)
This fourth Synthesis Report explores the evidence linking plant food intake with health. It identifies plant components that may convey health benefits, including potentially bioactive compounds. Further, it introduces the main classes of plant bioactives with potential health benefits, and introduces work being done within EuroFIR to provide quality and comprehensive information on the levels and biological effects of bioactive compounds with anticipated health benefits in plant and plant-based foods commonly consumed in Europe.
- Aisbitt B. (2007) Nutrition and health claims: the facts on your food. Synthesis report No. 5. (568 KB)
In this report, the EU regulation on nutrition and health claims made on foods (1924/2006/EC) is explored. The report outlines the scope of the regulation and discusses potential effect of this regulation. Further, it discusses nutrient profiling for the new regulation and nutrient profiling systems already in use in the EU. In addition, previous health claims used in the EU as well as nutrition and health claims outside the EU are summarised.
- Weichselbaum E., Benelam B. and Soares Costa H. (2009) Traditional foods in Europe. Synthesis report No. 6. (1 MB)
This Synthesis Report on ‘Traditional foods in Europe’ discusses different definitions of what traditional foods, including a definition developed by EuroFIR, and looks at how they are perceived by the consumer. Altogether, more than 60 traditional foods and dishes from 13 European countries are presented. It discusses the need for food composition data on traditional foods and outlines work being undertaken on traditional foods within the EuroFIR network.
- Church S. (2009) Food composition explained. EuroFIR Synthesis report No. 7. Nutrition Bulletin, 34, 250-272. (165 KB)
This guide seeks to provide background knowledge for users of food composition data and also to suggest where more detailed information can be found. It is specifically targeted at new entrants to the field, particularly nutrition/food science graduates, but it will be of interest to a wide range of food composition data users, including students. The guide draws on work undertaken by, and resources produced by, the EuroFIR.
