2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To identify and quantify the nutrient composition of representative food samples in order to improve and expand the USDA Nutrient Databases. The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to provide quality control and support for USDA-initiated laboratory contracts and other laboratory projects to improve the quality of data in the National Nutrient Data Bank. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) The Nutrient Data Laboratory (NDL) is responsible for developing and disseminating authoritative food composition database of foods in the U.S. diet. Foods for preparation and analysis will be selected on the following bases: 1.) Key Foods, those identified as contributing up to 75% of any one nutrient of public health significance; 2.) foods frequently uses as ingredients; 3.) foods containing nutrients of emerging interest. Sampling plans will be developed for each type of food sampled, to assure a representative sampling of the food supply. Samples of food will be delivered to the cooperator for weighing, dissecting for physical components, preparation (including cooking), packaging and shipment to specified analytical laboratories for nutrient analysis. The cooperator will also establish procedures for inclusion of control materials or duplicate samples for quality control assurance. In many cases, the cooperator will need to develop preparation, dissection and cooking protocols. In addition, the agreement includes consultations with NDL and cotract laboratories on issues of methodology, sample analysis, handling and storage. The cooperator will also offer expertise in experimental design and interpretation of results of the nutrient analyses. 3.Progress Report This report documents research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and the University of Wisconsin (UW). Additional details of research can be found in the report for the associated in-house project 1235-52000-051-00D, "Development of Accurate and Representative Food Composition Data for the U.S. Food Supply." A variety of small studies were conducted to determine the nutrient composition of meat products not currently available in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference(SR).. 1)Studies on ground meat products, sausages, and luncheon meats were completed during 2007. USDA Commodity Ground Beef was obtained from two vendors (arrangements made through AMS), cooked, and prepared for nutrient analyses. Data have been received and are being processed for entry into SR. Samples of sausages, luncheon meats, and ground chicken were obtained from 12 nationwide retail food outlets using the National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program sampling plan, then shipped, cooked, and processed at UW for analyses by NDL-contracted laboratories. New data for 12 food items will be released in SR.. 2)A collaborative series of studies were undertaken with the National Pork Board to determine the nutrient composition of fresh and enhanced pork products (raw and cooked). Sampling, preparation, and analyses of products have been completed. A preliminary report comparing the nutrient composition of natural and enhanced products was presented at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Experimental Biology in Washington D.C. New data for 40 natural fresh pork cuts and 16 enhanced cuts will be disseminated in SR on the Nutrient Data Laboratory Website (www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata) in Fall 2007. Samples of single muscle pork products (pork value cuts), currently being introduced in the market place, were collected, cooked, and prepared at UW. NDL has received most of the analytical data for this project and is preparing the data for entry into the National Nutrient Database. Information obtained from these studies will be used by industry for labeling purposes, and by Government agencies for making public policy related to nutrition and health in the U.S., food fortification, and entitlement programs such as Women, Infant and Children (WIC), school lunch, and food stamps. These projects were monitored through progress reports and monthly conference calls with the industry and the UW collaborators.