Saudi Food and Drug Authority launches first national food composition database

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has officially launched the Kingdom's inaugural Food Composition Database, a comprehensive resource offering precise nutritional information on local foods and traditional dishes enjoyed throughout Saudi Arabia. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the National Nutrition Committee and executed under the Health Sector Transformation Program, adheres to approved scientific methodologies and stringent quality standards.

The database functions as a pivotal reference for food composition data across various sectors, including health, research, and nutrition. It furnishes extensive data on essential components such as energy, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The database's introduction is a significant step towards enhancing national food data systems, fostering evidence-based decision-making, and elevating nutritional health and quality of life.

Its primary objectives encompass strengthening food and nutrition policymaking, bolstering scientific research and health studies, and increasing community awareness of the importance of health and nutrition. Moreover, the database supports the food manufacturing sector in developing local products and improving their nutritional quality.

By democratizing access to nutritional data, the database propels digital transformation in both the health and food sectors, empowering developers to create digital tools for assessing dietary patterns and nutritional status. This, in turn, will fortify the integration of data, technology, and public health initiatives.