The analytical quality control is essential in order to guarantee the total reliability of the information. Nowadays, the analytical results will be considered restricted if there is not a defined program of quality control. The present paper has in view schematic patterns of evaluation concerned to the quality of national data about dietary fiber. The dietary fiber was chosen as a model with the purpose of applying the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) criteria used for evaluation of selenium, copper and carotenoids. This choice was based on a lack of data about this nutrient, and because dietary fiber plays an important role related to the prevention of chronic diseases. Five categories have been considered for data quality evaluation: number of samples, sampling plan, sample handling, analytical methods and analytical quality control. Results obtained from this evaluation in 180 foods were 29% under code A and B (considerable and reasonable confidence) and 68% under code C (reduced confidence). The analytical quality evaluation of dietary fiber allowed the real assessment of analytical data and helped to establish priority foods for future analysis.
schematic patterns; analytical quality control; dietary fiber analysis
