Food composition data play a key role in most nutrition related activities. The International Network of Food Data
Systems (INFOODS) has contributed to improving the availability and quality of food composition data worldwide.
INFOODS activities include publication of regional and international food composition tables and databases (e.g.,
Food Composition Database for Biodiversity) and guidelines. Capacity development is an on-going activity through
postgraduate classroom courses and distance-learning modules. Training and awareness-raising through these efforts
has led many sectors (e.g., agriculture, health, environment, food regulatory) to appreciate the importance of quality
food composition data as the basis for policies and decision-making.
