7th International Food Data Conference: Food composition and biodiversity

The 7th International Food Data Conference “Food Composition and Biodiversity”, from 21–24 October 2007, was organized and convened by the University of Sao Paulo (USP), Department of Food Science and Experimental Nutrition of Pharmaceutical Science School of USP, the Brazilian Network of Food Data Systems (BRASILFOODS), and FAO, in conjunction with the FAO International Expert Consultation “Nutrition Indicators for Biodiversity” and the 9th National Congress of the Brazilian Society for Food and Nutrition. The scientific program had 55 oral presentations in the plenary sessions and 87 abstracts presented as posters. The complete articles (18) related to some of the presentations are being published in this issue. This conference was a unique opportunity for interaction between renowned researchers and participants from several countries, several international organs, Brazilian regulatory organs and government agencies, industries, nutritionists and other health professionals. This conference allowed us to exchange experiences and knowledge, structure new partnerships and discuss aspects that may improve the food composition area.