Food consumption survey in Latvia. The abstract describes basic methodological aspects for design and organization of the first Latvian national comprehensive food consumption survey, performed during 2007-2009. The determined objectives to the survey are: monitoring of the food safety aspects of the food consumption in Latvia; monitoring of the nutritional adequacy of the food and nutrient consumption in Latvia. A wide range of methodologies exists for estimation exposure to chemicals and biohazards and assessment nutrient intake. Design and the methodology of the survey at great extent based on EFCOSUM recommendations (EFCOSUM, 2002) and analysis of the best practices and expertise available in Europe recently. Methods chosen for particular survey are influenced by objectives of the investigation, resources available and certain characteristics of the method. Respondent selection was carried out by the quota principle. Survey participants were stratified by administrative area, age and sex, so making it possible to analyze the obtained data as a whole, the individual under the criteria set out by the study's objectives. In total, during the field work stage 2000 individuals were interviewed on 2008. The target population was defined as persons aged from 7 to 64 years domiciled in Latvia and living in private households, irrespective of nationality. The sample was broken down into six age groups (7-10, 11-14, 15-17, 18-35, 36-50, 51-64) and the two sexes (in proportion 46.1% men and 53.9% of women respectively). Consequently, information on food intake was collected by using two non-consecutive 24-h recalls in combination with food frequency questionnaire. Additional data on socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics were obtained in face-to-face interviewing process. The field work was divided into two waves to anticipate seasonal effects characteristic to Latvia.

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