The component aspect identifier for compositional values

The Component Aspect Identifier (CAId) concept was developed to define the key information relating to compositional values for foods and to provide convenient mechanisms for handling this information in a Food Database Management System (FDBMS). The CAId identifies the component, defines the basis on which the value is expressed (Mode of Expression) and summarizes supporting information on the origin, method, source and quality assessment for the value. The Method Indicator of the CAId summarizes the analytical method for analysed values or the basis of the calculation for derived values; a notation is proposed for organizing the analytical method information. The CAId has been implemented in the EuroNIMS food information management system which handles analytical, calculated and imputed values, as well as a wide range of information on food items. The CAId is discussed in terms of the level of specificity represented in information describing foods and reporting their composition.