Using Internet services to improve international food data exchange

Based on the World Wide Web (WWW) means to provide on-line interactive access, both nationally and internationally, to a Swiss Food Composition Database (SWIFD) are investigate. The architecture of an information-server and a self-explanatory interface are described that allows the user to conveniently view and copy data as well as information on data quality and food description. Using the concept of federated databases a network of distributed information-servers connected by the Internet is outlined. It was found that the technical aspects are minor compared with the semantic and legal (copyright) problems that arise with international data exchange. As a consequence, additional collaborative efforts are required, particularly in the field of standardized exchange formats and food descriptors.