What represents the peak of precision in calculating food composition?
Answer
Direct laboratory analysis tailored to specific components.
The calculation of food composition exists on a spectrum of accuracy, with direct laboratory analysis representing the highest level achievable. This method, which involves physically testing the food sample using specialized analytical chemistry techniques like spectrometry, allows for highly specific measurement of components. This approach is necessary when existing data is absent, processing methods introduce unknown alterations, or certified values are required for regulatory compliance, thus surpassing the precision offered by using generalized database lookups or recipe summation methods.

#Videos
How Calculate Nutrients Using FCT || Food Composition Tables
Related Questions
Why is the USDA FoodData Central trusted for composition data?What must be accurately weighed in Recipe Summation Step 5?What error results from failing to adjust final weight manually?Which potato entries distinguish nutritional data variations?Which technique measures protein during direct analytical chemistry?What steps follow ashing the sample when analyzing minerals?What determines serving size on an FDA Nutrition Facts label?How to avoid concentration underestimation with dry beans?What represents the peak of precision in calculating food composition?Why is micronutrient analysis often the most challenging lab step?