USDA Updates Nutrient Database

USDA Updates Nutrient Database

BELTSVILLE, Md.--In mid-August, the U.S.Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) launchedan updated version of its nutrient database reporting on more than 6,220 fooditems. "Nutrient Database for Standard Reference," according to USDA,is the major authoritative source regarding food composition in the UnitedStates, with coverage ranging from salsa to salmon in both generic and brandname terms.

The information was gathered from USDA research, qualified foodindustry sources, USDA-sponsored contracts and rigorously evaluated scientificliterature.

The database is either available for purchase on CD-ROM or freeon the ARS site (www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/SR15/sr15.html).