The LEDA Branded Food Database is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed label information for over 150,000 food products sold in the Netherlands. It serves as the country's independent food database, managed by the Voedingscentrum (The Netherlands Nutrition Centre) in collaboration with the Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu (RIVM), or National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
Contents of the Database
The database includes nutritional values and ingredient lists directly from product labels. Additionally, it integrates supplementary information through links with other databases, such as:
- Schijf van Vijf (Dutch dietary guidelines): Indicates if a product is included and suggests healthier alternatives if not.
- Sustainability features: Includes certifications and eco-labels.
- Storage advice: Provides shelf-life tips.
- Pregnancy safety: Highlights whether a product is safe to consume during pregnancy.
- Vitamins and minerals: Lists additional nutrients present.
- Portion sizes: Details average serving sizes.
Goals of the Database
The LEDA Branded Food Database aims to support healthy and sustainable choices by offering high-quality, up-to-date product information. Its specific goals include:
1. Helping Consumers
- The Voedingscentrum uses the database in various tools and apps, such as:
- Mijn Eetmeter and the 'Kies Ik Gezond?' app: Provide nutritional information and dietary guidance.
- Bewaarwijzer and Slim Koken app: Offer storage tips and recipes.
- ZwangerHap app: Guides safe food choices during pregnancy.
2. Supporting Research and monitoring
The RIVM leverages the database for studies in health, food safety, and sustainability. Examples include:
- Analyzing food consumption patterns.
- Estimating the intake of potentially harmful substances.
- Assessing the environmental impact of diets.
3. Informing Policy
The database aids policymakers in initiatives like:
- National Approach to Product Improvement (NAPV): Supports agreements with producers and retailers.
- Nutri-Score implementation: Enables calculation of nutrition scores using label data.
Data Collection and Updates
The database integrates label data through several channels:
- GS1 Database: Automatically forwards branded product data via GS1 Datasource.
- ImpactBuying B.V. (SIM): Supplies private-label data from supermarkets.
- PS in Foodservice: Shares manufacturer product data for wholesalers.
- Direct Links: Example: Albert Heijn's database for its private-label products.
- Manual Submission: Allows uploads via Excel/CSV if automatic updates aren't possible.
- Crowdsourcing: Consumers can submit missing product data via the 'Kies Ik Gezond?' app, subject to verification.
The data is updated daily, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
Data Processing
To ensure the data is ready for use in education, research, and policymaking, it undergoes several processing steps:
- Quality Checks: Verifies the completeness and accuracy of label details.
- Categorization: Sorts data into product groups and assesses compliance with “Schijf van Vijf” criteria.
- Linking to General Products: Matches branded products with general items in the NEVO database for enhanced information, such as vitamin and mineral content.
Accessibility
Once processed, the data is available for use by the Voedingscentrum and RIVM.
Part of the Netherlands Food Information Portal (NVIP)
The LEDA Branded Food Database is a component of the Netherlands Food Information Portal (NVIP), which also includes:
- NEVO Database: Nutritional data for unbranded foods and averages for generic products.
- NES Database: Label information for dietary supplements.
- Portion Size Database: Details weights and volumes of food products.