total diet study
A study designed to estimate the likely consumption of harmful or beneficial substances in the diet. When undertaking such a study, commonly-consumed foods are purchased from shops in a particular country before being analysed
In food safety, a total diet study is a way of estimating how much of different chemicals or nutrients people are exposed to through their overall diet. It works by collecting foods that people typically eat, preparing them as they are usually consumed (for example cooked or peeled), and then analysing them for contaminants, residues, or nutrients. This approach gives a realistic picture of what people are actually exposed to from food.
EFSA uses information from total diet studies to estimate dietary exposure to substances such as contaminants, food additives, or nutrients across different population groups. These data help EFSA compare exposure levels with health-based guidance values, identify potential safety concerns, and provide scientific advice to EU risk managers on whether current food safety measures are adequate or need to be adjusted.