August 16, 2002

USDA has launched an updated version of the "Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 15" that reports nutrients in 6,220 food items. The database, known as SR15, is the major authoritative source of food composition in the United States.

The meat products category in particular has been revised. Ground beef data were updated to reflect new market trends and the demand for lower fat products. Nutritive profiles were added for a variety of emu, ostrich, deer, bison and elk products. Eight new beef cuts also have been added to the database.

A complete profile of a single food item contains 117 nutrient categories. Newly developed algorithms are used to evaluate data for scientific accuracy and quality control programs maximize data reliability.

The database includes generic and brand name food items ranging from snack foods and condiments to meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. The data is derived from USDA research, qualified food industry sources, USDA-sponsored contracts and rigorously evaluated scientific literature.

To access SR15, go to: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/SR15/sr15.html.