The Third French Individual and National Food Consumption (INCA3) Survey 2014–2015: method, design and participation rate in the framework of a European harmonization process

Abstract

ObjectiveAssessing dietary exposure or nutrient intakes requires detailed dietary data. These data are collected in France by the cross-sectional Individual and National Studies on Food Consumption (INCA). In 2014–2015, the third survey (INCA3) was launched in the framework of the European harmonization process which introduced major methodological changes. The present paper describes the design of the INCA3 survey, its participation rate and the quality of its dietary data, and discusses the lessons learned from the methodological adaptations.DesignTwo representative samples of adults (18–79 years old) and children (0–17 years old) living in mainland France were selected following a three-stage stratified random sampling method using the national census database.SettingFood consumption was collected through three non-consecutive 24 h recalls (15–79 years old) or records (0–14 years old), supplemented by an FFQ. Information on food supplement use, eating habits, physical activity and sedentary behaviours, health status and sociodemographic characteristics were gathered by questionnaires. Height and body weight were measured.ParticipantsIn total, 4114 individuals (2121 adults, 1993 children) completed the whole protocol.ResultsParticipation rate was 41·5% for adults and 49·8% for children. Mean energy intake was estimated as 8795 kJ/d (2102 kcal/d) in adults and 7222 kJ/d (1726 kcal/d) in children and the rate of energy intake under-reporters was 17·8 and 13·9%, respectively.ConclusionsFollowing the European guidelines, the INCA3 survey collected detailed dietary data useful for food-related and nutritional risk assessments at national and European level. The impact of the methodological changes on the participation rate should be further studied.

May omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplementation help reduce severe complications in Covid-19 patients?

“…However, the French INCA 3 consumption study reported in 2017 the mean omega-3 consumption as follows: 1 g/day of ALA instead of the 2.2 recommended, and 286 mg/day of EPA + DHA instead of 500 recommended. Therefore, only 15% of the French population meet DHA intake recommendation, only 8% for EPA and only 1.6% for ALA [ 9 , 32 ]. Breast milk composition is also a good biomarker for PUFAs intake levels.…”

Outbreak of Salmonella Newport associated with internationally distributed raw goats' milk cheese, France, 2018

“…In the European Union, goats' milk production accounted for only 1.4% of total milk production [37]. In the French nutritional survey, previously mentioned, 0.4% of people reported drinking goats' milk (2; personal communication, SpF). Fifteen per cent of people reported eating any type of goats' milk cheese, and 3% reported eating raw goats' milk cheese.…”

“…Raw milk cheeses are popular in France accounting for 15% of all mature French cheeses, 75% of protected designation of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indication (PGI) cheeses, and the majority of other artisanal cheeses [1]. In the most recent national nutritional survey, 32% of people reported having eaten a raw milk cheese in at least one of three non-consecutive days in the previous 3 weeks [2]. Collaterally, raw milk cheeses have been the vehicle of 16 major Salmonella foodborne outbreaks (FBO) in France between 2008 and 2018, representing a third of Salmonella outbreaks with an identified source [3][4][5][6][7].…”

Association of organic food consumption with obesity in a nationally representative sample

“…The Third French Individual and National Food Consumption (INCA3) Survey 2014-2015 was a cross-sectional study carried out between February 2014 and September 2015 among a representative sample of individuals living in mainland France. The objectives, design and methodology have been described before (26) . This study was conducted according to the guidelines laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki, and all procedures involving human subjects/patients were approved by the (CCTIRS, no.…”