NALT Full

The TDS involves purchasing samples of food throughout the U.S., preparing the foods as they would be consumed (table-ready), and analyzing the foods to measure the levels of selected contaminants and nutrients. Dietary intakes of these analytes by the U.S. population are then calculated by multiplying the levels found in TDS foods by the average consumption amounts for each food. The overall strategy and goals of the TDS have remained constant since its inception in 1961, but the specific methodology has been revised periodically.