International Life Sciences Institute

The ILSI database is designed to include only high quality crop composition data that were obtained using representative samples whose field location and production date were known; i.e. that are traceable back to a field location and date of sampling. In addition, data must be obtained using known validated methods of analysis and be checked for quality prior to archiving. To ensure the high quality of the database, data submitted to the database must meet the criteria described below.

CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE OF DATA INTO THE ILSI CROP COMPOSITION DATABASE

Samples Used for Analysis

The samples used for composition analysis should be collected from a single plot at one location. Each sample must come from a single controlled field trial, for which the following details are known:

• Variety grown
• Location of the plot
• Year of production and sample collection
• Date of planting and harvest, and date of sample collection should be known although they are not submitted as part of the data.

Samples may be collected from hand or open-pollinated plants cultivated on either small or large size plots. Each sample must be a representative composite from single plot:

• Each grain (or seed) sample represents a composite sample that has been collected from representative plants throughout the plot. This sampling procedure is similar to the common practice employed for pesticide residue trials. In some cases the sample may be collected from a larger number of plants (for example from a bulk sample from a large plot). In these cases care must be taken to obtain a representative sample from the bulk by employing appropriate sampling methods.
• Each forage sample represents a composite sample from a minimum of two whole plants.

Grain samples should be analyzed within 12 months of harvest. While raw grain may have been stored at a suitable temperature and humidity for several months, any grain that was ground must be stored frozen.

Forage samples must be frozen immediately after harvest or oven-dried and then stored frozen until analyzed, typically within 12 months of harvest.

The complete chain of custody of the samples from harvest to analysis and the storage conditions of the sample must be known.

Analysis of Samples

For the analytical phase, the following criteria must be met:

• All data points are associated with a referenced method using certified or historically verified standards.
• Analysis will be carried out using validated methods. List the method of analysis and the year of publication. When using modified methods, provide references on modifications.
• Analysis should be carried out by accredited/certified laboratories or laboratories experienced with the specific analytical methodology.
• Quality control checks must be carried out on the analytical data.
• Records and data must be retained for at least five years after the data is submitted to database.

No data based on averaging of values for multiple samples will be accepted into the ILSI crop composition database - each data point must be derived from the analysis of a single composite sample. A dataset consists of a series of data points for a number of different analytes, obtained from a single sample.

Auditing and Archiving of the Data

ILSI reserves the right to confidentially audit datasets at the originating organization (at ILSI's expense) to ensure that the requisite raw data are available. The submitter agrees to archive the raw data from which the submitted data was derived for a period of at least five years.

Submission of Data

Data must be submitted as comma-delimited or tab-delimited files, and each analyte must be submitted in the database default unit. Institutions/organizations interested in submitting data into the ILSI crop composition database will be supplied with an instruction manual -that fully describes the data submission process.

For further information about the database and data submission, contact International Life Sciences Institute.

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