Food composition programme of ASEANFOODS 1995-1999

Abstract

ASEANFOODS was established in 1986, with six member countries including Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University (INMU) was designated as the Regional Centre. In 1996, Vietnam was included as a new country member. This report emphasizes the main activities carried out in 1995-1999 at the regional centre to fulfill the specific objectives of ASEANFOODS. To strengthen the analytical performance of food analysis laboratories in ASEAN, a new set of reference materials, weaning food (AS-FRM5) and fish flour (AS-FRM6) with consensus values of mandatory nutrients for nutrition labelling was developed. The reference materials were used as test materials for the third round of laboratory performance study, including government and private laboratories in ASEANFOODS member countries and laboratories in other regions. A collaborative programme involving three countries - Indonesia (LIPI, Bandung), Thailand (INMU) and Australia (QHSS) was conducted in 1997-1998, with support from AusAID to strengthen the technical and analytical capabilities and quality assurance programme in Indonesia. This programme can eventually strengthen laboratories to generate good quality food composition data. Such activities will be extended to other member countries. In keeping with the need of the members, the first regional food composition data are being developed. Current activities on development of national food composition tables are also summarized. © 2000 Academic Press.