The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) in Saudi Arabia has made history by releasing the first ever National Food Composition Database in the Kingdom.

Designed to serve dietary research purposes, the data will improve public health strategies and contribute to achieving Saudi Vision 2030 requirements through scientifically backed nutritional data for home cooked and commercially available foods.

A milestone for nutrition and public health

Researchers, food manufacturers, physicians, dietitians and the Saudi Arabian public can benefit from reliable food nutrient data which is regionally specific by way of a newly launched National Food Composition Database (NFCD) of Saudi Arabian cuisine.

Developed by The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), the initiative has finally addressed the deficiency which had previously stood between Middle Eastern regional science and accurate data pertaining to macro- and micronutrients which compose traditional Arabian diets.

Main aspects of the food composition database:

1. A unified nutritional database that offers reliable and accurate data on calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, micronutrients, as well as sodium content of traditional and commercial Saudi food.
2. Facilitating public health policies, thereby contributing to minimizing obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease by helping public health organizations build health strategies.
3. Strengthening academic and clinical research with a trustworthy database for studies and clinical trials in the Middle East and other countries of the world.
4. Contributing to food production industry transparency by aiding local food manufacturers to label packaged foods correctly according to established nutrient requirements.

How the NFCD relates to Saudi Vision 2030?

The Food Composition Database will help the Kingdom achieve Saudi Vision 2030’s Health sector transformation program as well as Quality of life program by enabling proper food labeling, thereby improving people’s awareness on taking wise and knowledgeable nutritional choices to ultimately develop healthier lifestyles and reduce incidences of lifestyle chronic diseases nationwide.