2004 Annual Report 4.What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? D. Progress Report. This report serves to document research on the food and nutrient composition of meat products conducted under a Specific Cooperataive Agreement between ARS and the University of Wisconsin. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 1235-52000-051-00D, Development of Accurate and Representative Food Composition Data for the U.S. Food Supply. The USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR) provides food composition and nutrient values for several cured ham products. The last update to this data was in 1991. Since that time, many new ham products have been introduced into the retail market place. These products vary as to level of enhancement (% water and salts added), which can influence the nutrient composition of the product. In addition to cured hams (at least 20.5% protein), new products such as `ham with natural juices' (at least 18.5% protein), `ham - water added' (at least 17% protein and 10% added solution), and `ham and water product' (level of added ingredients must be labeled), have been added to the food supply. The current study was designed to acquire representative samples of each of these product types, prepare them as described on the package, and determine their physical characteristics (e.g., amount of edible portion, bone refuse, separable fat) and nutrient composition. Ham samples were obtained from 12 nationwide retail food outlets, using the NFNAP sampling plan. The physical characteristics of 163 ham samples were determined; samples were prepared and analyzed for nutrient content. The nutrient data has been received from the contract laboratories, and is being evaluated and processed for release in SR. Data from this research will provide the means for estimating nutrient intake derived from cured ham products. Such information can then be used by Government agencies for making public policy related to nutrition and health in the U.S., food fortification, and entitlement programs such as WIC, school lunch, and food stamps.