Evaluation of food composition tables commonly used in Benin: Limitations and suggestions for improvement

Reliable food composition data are important in the field of nutrition and health. To date, Benin does not have a national food composition table. Foreign food composition tables are presently used, but such tables do not include most of the foods as consumed in Benin. A critical evaluation on the quality of food composition tables currently in use in Benin was conducted. Users of food composition data were identified and information about their expectations and requirements was collected using a structured questionnaire. Laboratory visits were carried out in two organizations conducting food analysis in Benin. The characteristics of the food composition tables assessed indicate the limitation concerning number of foods contained and number of nutrients included. Information on sampling procedures is very limited and there is little indication about the analytical methods used to derive nutrients values. Data are reported for mainly raw foods, although many foods are consumed after being processed. Data on wild foods, which are consumed during food shortage periods by many people living in rural areas of the country, are also missing. Laboratory visits revealed a lack of sound analytical equipment, a lack of financial resources, and a shortage of adequately trained staff. This study underscores the need for high-quality food composition data in Benin.