Enhancing the capacity of food consumption surveys of short duration to estimate long term consumer-only intakes by combination with a qualitative food frequency questionnaire

Abstract

In principle, a proper risk assessment for a food chemical requires that the time-frame for food chemical intake estimates matches the time-frame for the toxicological assessments upon which the safety statements (ADI, PTWI, etc.) are based. For food additives, the toxicological assessments are based on exposure over a lifetime. While food consumption data cannot be collected over the lifetimes of individuals, the information should reflect habitual intakes as closely as possible. This study investigated the possibility of combining a 3-day food diary with a food frequency questionnaire to estimate mean consumer-only food intakes comparable to estimates based on a 14-day diary. The study population consisted of 948 teenagers and analysis was based on 32 clearly defined foods. For 47% of the foods, the difference was < or = 1 g/day. When expressed as portion sizes, 56% of the foods showed differences representing < 5% of an average portion and no food showed a difference > 14% of an average portion. When between-method differences (portions/day) were plotted against the mean of the methods, the mean between-method difference was 0.02(+/- 0.06) portions/day with limits of agreement of -0.10 to 0.14. This preliminary investigation suggests that the combined 3-day diary and FFQ method provides comparable estimates of mean consumer only intakes to a 14-day diary. Therefore, a qualitative FFQ may be a useful adjunct to a food consumption survey of short duration if estimates of longer term food intakes are required.

Estimated energy intake, macronutrient intake and meal pattern of Flemish adolescents

“…The present study was part of an international project, including Ireland, Finland, Germany, Italy and Belgium, looking at methodological aspects of dietary assessment in the context of food safety monitoring (Lambe et al, 2000). For Belgium, the data were analysed in more depth in order to allow for a cross-sectional description of the dietary habits in this subgroup of the population (boys and girls aged 13 -18 y).…”

Analysis of data from a free-listing study of menus by different income-level populations

“…Lambe et al (2008) compared a 14-day diary with a 3-day diary followed by a food frequency questionnaire; both alternatives are time consuming in relation to free listing. Dapi, Nouedoui, Janlert, and Haglin (2005) conducted focus groups to obtain information about the most consumed food to be included in a food frequency questionnaire which was then employed to investigate Cambodian adolescent's food habits.…”

How to measure dietary intake and food habits in adolescence: the European perspective

“…33 The target population was defined as adolescents aged 13-18 y attending schools in the city of Ghent in the northern Dutch-speaking part of Belgium.…”