The Belgian food consumption survey: aims, design and methods

Abstract

A national food consumption survey was organised for the first time in Belgium in 2004. A total of 3,200 individuals were interviewed. The target population contained all residents of Belgium who are 15 years or older. The individuals were selected by a multistage procedure from the National Register. Information on food intake was collected using two non-consecutive 24h recalls in combination with a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Additional data on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were obtained with a face-to-face questionnaire. Moreover information regarding food safety on household level was recorded. The fieldwork was spread over one year to anticipate seasonal effects and was carried out by trained dieticians. In this paper a general description of the aims, the design, the sampling procedure and the questionnaires of the Belgian food consumption survey are given.