The FoodSwitch database

FoodSwitch Composition Database

The FoodSwitch database holds detailed nutrition and attribute information on individual packaged food products. The data is used for research and advocacy to influence government policy and industry practice toward improved food environments. It is also used by the various apps to help consumers make healthier food choices by offering accessible and clear information about the nutritional content of packaged foods. The database is continually updated, reflecting changes in food formulations and the introduction of new products – it is estimated that there is around 25% - 30% of product churn every 12 months. The data is utilised in various tools and apps to guide users towards healthier eating patterns, supporting public health initiatives and research on dietary habits and nutrition.

FoodSwitch: Tracking Food Data Across 17 Jurisdictions

How Does FoodSwitch Gather Data?

FoodSwitch collects data through a combination of manual and automated methods:

• Store audit: Teams of data collectors visit supermarkets and stores to manually scan barcodes and capture images of food product labels.
• Crowdsourcing: Consumers contribute by submitting images of food labels through the FoodSwitch, ecoSwitch and GlutenSwitch mobile apps. The images then go through the same process as audit-collected images to maintain data integrity. This crowdsourced data helps keep the database current with new and updated products.
• Collaboration with manufacturers and retailers: Food manufacturers and retailers may directly provide product information, which is then verified and added to the database.
• Publicly available databases and websites: The collected data is integrated into the database, where it is standardised, validated, and updated regularly to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.

These methods ensure that the FoodSwitch database remains a reliable and up-to-date resource for nutritional information on a wide range of food products.

What Product Information Does the FoodSwitch Database Collect?

The FoodSwitch database collects a wide array of detailed nutritional and product information, including:

• Nutritional Information
• Ingredients
• Product Information such as product name, brand name, barcode
• Packaging and Labelling Information
• Product claims
• Allergen Information
• Other Information such as manufacturer details, country of origin.

This comprehensive data collection enables the FoodSwitch database to provide detailed insights to government, industry and consumers to help improve the food environment and promote healthier diets.

Who Can Use FoodSwitch Data?

FoodSwitch data can be used by a variety of stakeholders, including:

1. Researchers: To study dietary patterns, nutritional quality of food products, and public health trends.
2. Policy Makers: To inform public health policies, regulations, and initiatives aimed at improving population health and nutrition.
3. Food Manufacturers and Retailers: To benchmark and improve the nutritional quality of their products, and to understand market trends.
4. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): To support campaigns and programs focused on promoting healthier diets and reducing the incidence of diet-related diseases.
5. Healthcare Professionals: Dietitians, nutritionists, and other health practitioners can use the data to guide and advise their clients on dietary choices.

The database serves as a critical resource for these groups, helping to promote better nutrition and public health outcomes.