Australian Food Composition Program

Within FSANZ a small group of nutritionists compiles and publishes data on food composition, and has constructed and manages the Nutrition Panel Calculator  (NPC) and NUTTAB 2006.

Food Composition Data

FSANZ’s food composition databases are available in printable and electronic format and are a valuable resource for public health professionals, academia, industry and consumers. They are also used in conjunction with national nutrition surveys to determine nutrient intake levels for a population.The data they contain will also help inform standards development work related to nutrient fortification and nutrition, health and related claims.

The most current database compiled by the food composition team is NUTTAB 2006.  This is an updated publication intended to replace NUTTAB 95. It provides nutrient values forup to169 nutrients for 2.600 foods.  

The food composition team is seeking to improve its databases by making them more easily accessible.  We are also seeking to make the data more comprehensive through updating to keep up with food consumption patterns, and through integrating new data as it becomes available through analysis.  

Nutrition Panel Calculator(NPC)

The Nutrition Panel Calculator (NPC) was launched in 2004/5 as a tool to help industry to generate Nutrition Information Panels for their products. The NPC is also popular with students and consumers who want information on the nutrient content of foods.

Limitations of food composition data

FSANZ makes no warranty that the information contained in its food composition publications will be free from error, or if used will ensure compliance with the relevant requirements of the Food Standards Code. Before relying on the information presented in these publications, you should carefully evaluate the accuracy, completeness and relevance of them for your purposes, and should consider the need to obtain appropriate expert advice relevant to your particular circumstances.

FSANZ alerts you to the inherent limitations of food composition data. Food composition tables contain nutrient data that is an average of nutrients in a particular sample of foods and ingredients, determined at a particular time. The nutrient composition of foods and ingredients can vary substantially over different batches, and between brands because of a number of factors including changes in season, processing practices and ingredient source.

Further information

For further information on food and nutrient composition, please contact npc@foodstandards.gov.au .