The Concise European Food Consumption Database gathers data on average daily consumption of foods per person to provide a valuable screening tool in assessing risk potentials for EFSA, its Scientific Panels and experts in the member states.
According to EFSA, consumption data obtained at national level often cannot be compared directly due to different survey methodologies and food categorisation systems, hence the need for a harmonised system.
When deciding on the formation of the database, EFSA referred to a statement made by the World Health Organization back in 1997, and said: "In order to be protective of public health for the whole of Europe, international calculations should provide exposure estimates that are equal or greater than the best estimate carried out at national levels."
A need for the database
Consumption data is needed to assess chronic exposure, and the process is a key part of assessing the risks posed by different ingredients and additives and comparing levels with their respective Accepted Daily Intake.
The desire for such a database was expressed by member states at the colloquium on "European Food Consumption Database - Current and medium to long-term strategies" in Brussels in April 2005.
Article 33 of the Regulation (EC) 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council states EFSA "shall search for, collect, analyse and summarise relevant scientific and technical data in the fields within its mission. This shall involve in particular the collection of data relating to food consumption and the exposure of individuals to risks related to the consumption of food".
Likewise, it says EFSA "shall work in close cooperation with all organisations operating in the field of data collection including those from applicant countries, third countries or international bodies".
The database
The concise database comprises 15 broad categories (such as milk and dairy-based products) and 21 subcategories (cheese, for example) to bring together data on average daily consumption of foods per person.
It presents a limited number of data to allow for easy performance of a conservative exposure assessment, said EFSA.
A representative from each member state is expected to coordinate its country's data and transfer local national food consumption to EFSA, with many having to re-codify their food consumption database to meet the harmonised standard.
Initially it is intended to contain information on adults and in the future it is hoped to have information specifically on children.
EFSA also intends to develop more comprehensive databases over the coming years to provide more in depth material to member states.
The concise database is available at http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/ScientificPanels/DATEX/efsa_locale-1178620753812_ConciseEuropeanConsumptionDatabase.htm
