Now you will know the nutrients in your food, then plan your meal instantly with a click of the mouse.Users of food and nutrition researches can now quickly access to data and information using a user-friendly software. Time consuming browsing of handbooks and reference books and computing for cost and nutrient content of a menu and product formulation can now be eliminated. Even ordinary consumers with personal computers at home will know the nutritional value of the food they eat daily.

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) has developed an interactive CD-ROM application software entitled "FCT + Menu Eval." The software consists of three modules, namely Module I, the Philippine Food Composition Tables; Module II, Menu Evaluation; and Module III, Nutrition Information. The software will provide information on the nutrient content of raw and processed foods, newly developed and kitchen tested recipes and nutrient adequacy of foods based on the most recent Philippine Recommended Dietary Allowances.

This is a good news to all stakeholders in the food industry, government and non-government health, nutrition and agriculture planning and implementing bodies / institutions using food technologies, nutrition guidelines, databases and recommendations generated by FNRI. The availability of these information such as the Philippine Food Composition Tables, Recommended Dietary Allowances and kitchen-tested recipes in a user friendly CD ROM interactive software will not only provide data and information but also perform simultaneous computing and technical graphics for maximum usage and application. Product formulation, menu planning, meal management, dietary counseling and health monitoring activities may be performed easily using the software.

Visitors during the 2002 National Science and Technology Week held at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology last July 8-12, 2002 had a glimpse of the software. It will be made available soon to the public. Now you'll be wiser in choosing the right kind of food to keep you and your family healthy.

For more information you can write or call: The Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute - Department of Science and Technology, Gen Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila. Tel/Fax: 837-29-34, 837-31-64; E-mail:cvcb@fnri.dost.gov.ph.