Development of Omani-branded food composition database for an electronic dietary assessment tool

Abstract

Background: The food composition database provides a comprehensive information on the various nutrients present in the foods. At present, Oman lacks a food composition database (FCDB) of locally produced branded foods, which necessitates the development of such a database. Objectives: The aim of this study is to develop an FCDB for Omani-branded foods available for local consumption for an electronic dietary assessment tool. Methods: Back-of-pack (BOP) nutritional information of these branded foods available in our markets was gathered from manufacturer data. Food mapping was used to match the branded foods according to the BOP macronutrient data and food description to the appropriate generic food item from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or Canadian FCDBs. Results: The developed database is composed of 571 food items with associated 60 nutrients. The majority of food items (91%) were mapped to a single generic food item. The rest (9%) was mapped to multiple generic food items. Overall, 96% of food items were mapped to a single generic food, which was matched based on BOP macronutrients and item descriptions. However, the minority (4%) were mapped based on item description alone as either the BOP nutrients were implausible. Moreover, 91% of food items were individually mapped to within 10% agreement with the generic food item for energy. The fish and fish group has the largest mean of absolute percentage difference in energy between BOP and generic items (16%). Conclusion: This currently developed database would critically help to accurately assess the dietary intake of the Omani population once incorporated into an electronic dietary assessment tool, and it can be updated in the future on a regular basis.