The Food Composition Interpretation Register (FCIR)
Why identity matters
Nuts and seeds are central to the BRAIN Diet. They provide fibre, protein, minerals and essential omega‑3 and omega‑6 fats the body cannot make. Composition sources often report only 18:3—eighteen carbons and three double bonds—without saying whether that fat is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 n‑3) or gamma-linolenic acid (GLA; 18:3 n‑6). This register records those identity decisions so public food and recipe values stay as precise as the evidence allows.
Example row — FCIR-001
| Case ID | Food/material | Identity at issue | Substance/UNII | Identity/source IDs | Problem | Decision and public treatment | Evidence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCIR-001 | Site-wide ALA mapping | Alanine vs alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) | Verified identityAlpha-linolenic acid/0RBV727H71 (LINOLENIC ACID) Rejected identityBeta-alanine/11P2JDE17B (.BETA.-ALANINE)named with alanine as an excluded amino acid Rejected identityPhenylalanine/47E5O17Y3R (PHENYLALANINE)named with alanine as an excluded amino acid | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Not established Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 n‑3), distinguished from alanine, beta-alanine and phenylalanine Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — Not establishedActive: FDC nutrient ID — 1404 (18:3 n‑3, ALA) — required identity for named ALAActive: Database record — repository nutrient-identity audit (extraction and recipe regression fixtures) Rejected identifiersFDC nutrient ID — amino-acid fields (alanine / beta-alanine / phenylalanine) — amino-acid fields are not fatty acids and must not populate ALA | The amino acid alanine was mapped to the field intended for alpha-linolenic acid because both can be abbreviated “Ala/ALA.” The false value then entered recipe calculations and omega‑3 totals. | DecisionAlanine, beta-alanine and phenylalanine are amino acids and are excluded categorically from ALA and lipid resolution.ActionALA now requires explicit alpha-linolenic or 18:3 n‑3 identity. Affected food and recipe values are regenerated from corrected source fields. | SourceUSDA nutrient identifiers (1404 = 18:3 n‑3; amino-acid fields are not fatty acids); repository nutrient-identity audit; extraction and recipe regression fixtures. | Resolved |
What we track
We track food or material, chemical substance, and composition source as separate identities. Substance/UNII is the molecular identity. Identity/source IDs record which FDC food and nutrient fields, species, forms and papers were accepted or rejected. Mixing those layers is how an amino acid was published as an omega‑3, and how unqualified 18:3 can be treated as ALA. In eventual clinical trials, the BRAIN Diet needs to exercise precision nutrition: intake and outcome claims must rest on named compounds and documented sources, not on look-alike abbreviations or underspecified database fields.
How to read a case
Case ID
The Case ID (FCIR‑NNN) is a workflow identifier. It is not a scientific identity.
Decision, action and source
Decision is what we concluded. Action is what the public pages and calculations now do. Source is the records and papers used, not a later paraphrase. The table is the canonical record.
Missing and rejected identifiers
Unavailable food and source identifiers are Not established — never blank, never inferred. A rejected identifier is never treated as active provenance. GSRS/UNII is never Not established: use No public GSRS match located or Not applicable—broad class. GSRS searches operate on canonical substance identity, structure, CAS number and synonyms—not FDC nutrient numbers. FDC numbers belong only in the composition-source field.
Food and recipe links
Links go to the published composition or recipe row. Food pages carry only a short pointer here.
Provenance
This work is being developed with input from our team, including Larry Callahan, an experienced former FDA chemist who led work on ISO 11238, the international substance-identification standard that helped underpin the Global Substance Registration System. His scientific provenance lead on this register is pending formal acceptance.
Register
Identifier keys
- FDC food ID — identifies the composition record.
- FDC nutrient ID — identifies the nutrient or analytical field.
- Scientific species name — identifies the organism.
- Material/form — fruiting body, stroma, mycelium, extract, seed, oil, or other named material.
- GSRS/UNII or another stable substance identifier — official GSRS preferred name and UNII, linked at https://precision.fda.gov/uniisearch/srs/unii/[UNII]. Unavailable verified matches are No public GSRS match located. Broad classes are Not applicable—broad class. Not established is not used for GSRS/UNII.
- DOI — identifies supporting analytical literature. It is evidence provenance rather than substance identity.
| Case ID | Food/material | Identity at issue | Substance/UNII | Identity/source IDs | Problem | Decision and public treatment | Evidence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCIR-001 | Site-wide ALA mapping | Alanine vs alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) | Verified identityAlpha-linolenic acid/0RBV727H71 (LINOLENIC ACID) Rejected identityBeta-alanine/11P2JDE17B (.BETA.-ALANINE)named with alanine as an excluded amino acid Rejected identityPhenylalanine/47E5O17Y3R (PHENYLALANINE)named with alanine as an excluded amino acid | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Not established Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 n‑3), distinguished from alanine, beta-alanine and phenylalanine Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — Not establishedActive: FDC nutrient ID — 1404 (18:3 n‑3, ALA) — required identity for named ALAActive: Database record — repository nutrient-identity audit (extraction and recipe regression fixtures) Rejected identifiersFDC nutrient ID — amino-acid fields (alanine / beta-alanine / phenylalanine) — amino-acid fields are not fatty acids and must not populate ALA | The amino acid alanine was mapped to the field intended for alpha-linolenic acid because both can be abbreviated “Ala/ALA.” The false value then entered recipe calculations and omega‑3 totals. | DecisionAlanine, beta-alanine and phenylalanine are amino acids and are excluded categorically from ALA and lipid resolution.ActionALA now requires explicit alpha-linolenic or 18:3 n‑3 identity. Affected food and recipe values are regenerated from corrected source fields. | SourceUSDA nutrient identifiers (1404 = 18:3 n‑3; amino-acid fields are not fatty acids); repository nutrient-identity audit; extraction and recipe regression fixtures. | Resolved |
| FCIR-002 | Generic 18:3 fatty-acid records | Unqualified 18:3 vs ALA (18:3 n‑3) vs GLA (18:3 n‑6) | Verified identityAlpha-linolenic acid/0RBV727H71 (LINOLENIC ACID)verified isomer identity; not assignable from a generic 18:3 field Verified identityGLA/gamolenic acid/78YC2MAX4O (GAMOLENIC ACID)verified isomer identity; not assignable from a generic 18:3 field Unresolvable source fieldGeneric 18:3 — unresolvable from the source field; neither UNII is assignable. | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Not established Substance identityCanonical chemical name — 18:3 remains unresolved until the isomer is named Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — Not establishedActive: FDC nutrient ID — 1270 (unqualified 18:3) — stored as unresolved 18:3; never written as ALAActive: DOI or database record — Not establishedSupporting: DOI — 10.3390/molecules27103171 (Golimowski et al. 2022) — hemp oil reports 18:3 n‑3 and 18:3 n‑6 in adjacent rowsSupporting: DOI — 10.3390/separations8040051 (Goldschmidt and Byrdwell 2021) — a bare 18:3 field is chemically underspecified Rejected identifiersNot established | Some legacy records report only total 18:3, without distinguishing omega‑3 ALA from omega‑6 GLA or other isomers. | DecisionGeneric 18:3 remains unresolved and cannot enter ALA or identified omega‑3 totals.ActionExtraction stores USDA nutrient 1270 as unresolved 18:3 and never writes ALA from it. Exact-food analytical evidence may later provide a documented isomer interpretation on a named food page. | SourceUSDA nutrient 1270 metadata; Golimowski et al. 2022; Goldschmidt and Byrdwell 2021. | Active rule |
| FCIR-003 | Flax seeds | Unqualified 18:3 on the whole-seed record vs named ALA | Verified identityAlpha-linolenic acid/0RBV727H71 (LINOLENIC ACID)The UNII applies to the resulting supported interpretation, not to USDA nutrient 1270 by itself. Unresolvable source fieldUSDA nutrient 1270 is unresolvable by itself; the ALA UNII is attached to the supported interpretation. | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Whole flax seeds (quantity). Ground flax is a different material and is used only for isomer identity. Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 n‑3) Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — FDC 169414 (Seeds, flaxseed) — quantity recordSupporting: FDC food ID — FDC 2262075 (Flaxseed, ground) — isomer identity via nutrient 1404; not the published quantityActive: FDC nutrient ID — 1270 (unqualified 18:3) — 22,813 mg/100 g quantity on FDC 169414Supporting: FDC nutrient ID — 1404 (18:3 n‑3, ALA) — 19.42 g/100 g on ground flax FDC 2262075, used for identity not quantityActive: DOI or database record — Not establishedSupporting: DOI — 10.1016/j.foodres.2013.01.061 (Ribeiro et al. 2013) — names alpha-linolenic acid in whole flax seedsSupporting: DOI — 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.01.023 (Gómez-Cortés et al. 2016) — authentic n‑3 and n‑6 standards on linseed oil; only a trace of 18:3 n‑6 Rejected identifiersNot established | USDA SR Legacy reports 22,813 mg of unqualified 18:3 per 100 g, while the public page requires a chemically identified ALA value. | DecisionThe published 22.8 g is USDA’s whole-seed 18:3 milligrams interpreted as ALA. Quantity and isomer identity come from complementary sources, not from one assay.ActionPublish the asterisked 22.8 g row. Store 22,813 mg internally for recipes. Do not publish Foundation 19.42 g (ground seed, different fat) and do not convert an oil percentage into grams of seed.Public rowala_interpretedRecipesGinger Yogurt and Blueberries | SourceQuantity: FDC 169414, Seeds, flaxseed, nutrient 1270 = 22,813 mg/100 g. Identity: FDC 2262075, Flaxseed, ground, nutrient 1404 = 19.42 g/100 g, ALA 57.2% of fatty acids against 57.1% in 169414. Identity (literature): Ribeiro et al. 2013 names alpha-linolenic acid in whole flax seeds; Gómez-Cortés et al. 2016 runs authentic n‑3 and n‑6 standards on linseed oil and finds only a trace of 18:3 n‑6. | Resolved |
| FCIR-004 | Walnuts | Unqualified 18:3 vs named ALA on walnut kernel | Verified identityAlpha-linolenic acid/0RBV727H71 (LINOLENIC ACID)The UNII applies to the resulting supported interpretation, not to USDA nutrient 1270 by itself. Unresolvable source fieldUSDA nutrient 1270 is unresolvable by itself; the ALA UNII is attached to the supported interpretation. | Food identityScientific species name — Juglans regiaMaterial/form — English walnut kernel Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 n‑3) Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — FDC 170187 (Nuts, walnuts, english) — quantity recordActive: FDC nutrient ID — 1270 (unqualified 18:3) — 9,080 mg/100 g quantity on FDC 170187Active: DOI or database record — Not establishedSupporting: DOI — 10.4236/fns.2017.812079 (Kafkas et al. 2017) — names alpha-linolenic acid across ten Juglans regia cultivars against a 37-component FAME standardSupporting: DOI — 10.5650/jos.ess22015 (Yoshinaga-Kiriake et al. 2022) — names α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3); the standard carries n‑3 and n‑6 as distinct components Rejected identifiersFDC food ID — FDC 2346394 (Foundation walnut record) — fatty-acid totals only; no nutrient 1404; rejected for identity | USDA reports a large generic 18:3 value but does not identify the omega position in that record. | DecisionWalnut-kernel 18:3 is identified as ALA by named GC studies. USDA’s 9,080 mg is the quantity for this page.ActionPublish 9.08 g ALA*. Do not wait on Foundation 1404 (absent). Do not substitute Yoshinaga-Kiriake’s derived milligrams for USDA’s kernel quantity.Public rowala_interpretedRecipesGinger Yogurt and Blueberries; Mitochondrial Power Bowl; Rocket Lentil Avocado Midday Salad | SourceQuantity: FDC 170187, Nuts, walnuts, english, nutrient 1270 = 9,080 mg/100 g. Identity: Kafkas et al. 2017 names alpha-linolenic acid across ten Juglans regia cultivars (9.50–13.26% of fatty acids) against a 37-component FAME standard; Yoshinaga-Kiriake et al. 2022 names α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3) against the same standard, which carries n‑3 and n‑6 as distinct components. Rejected for identity: FDC 2346394 (fatty-acid totals only; no nutrient 1404). | Resolved |
| FCIR-005 | Hemp seeds (reference case; no hemp food page yet) | Hemp 18:3 as a mixture of ALA and GLA, not a synonym for ALA | Verified identityAlpha-linolenic acid/0RBV727H71 (LINOLENIC ACID) Verified identityGLA/gamolenic acid/78YC2MAX4O (GAMOLENIC ACID) Unresolvable source fieldHemp 18:3 is a mixture; a generic 18:3 field cannot receive either UNII. | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Hemp seeds / hemp seed oil (reference; exact commercial form Not established) Substance identityCanonical chemical name — 18:3 n‑3 (ALA) and 18:3 n‑6 (GLA) must be identified separately; generic 18:3 remains unresolved Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — Not establishedActive: FDC nutrient ID — Not establishedSupporting: FDC nutrient ID — 18:3 n‑3 and 18:3 n‑6 (adjacent named rows in Golimowski et al. 2022) — generic USDA 1270 is not sufficientActive: DOI or database record — Not establishedSupporting: DOI — 10.3390/molecules27103171 (Golimowski et al. 2022) — Finola and other cultivars report 18:3 n‑3 and 18:3 n‑6 in adjacent rows Rejected identifiersNot established | Hemp can contain both ALA and GLA, demonstrating why generic 18:3 cannot safely be assigned to one omega family. | DecisionHemp 18:3 is a mixture, not a synonym for ALA.ActionRequire separately identified ALA and GLA values. Never apply the flax interpretation to hemp. | SourceGolimowski et al. 2022 (Finola and other cultivars report 18:3 n‑3 and 18:3 n‑6 in adjacent rows). | Reference case |
| FCIR-006 | Ghee | Ruminant unqualified 18:3 vs named ALA | Unresolvable source fieldGeneric 18:3 — unresolvable from the source field; neither UNII is assignable. Identity consideredAlpha-linolenic acid/0RBV727H71 (LINOLENIC ACID)not assigned from this ghee record | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Ghee Substance identityCanonical chemical name — 18:3 remains unresolved; not published as ALA Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — FDC 173412 (USDA SR Legacy ghee record) — nutrient 1270 only; not used as named ALASupporting: FDC food ID — FDC 173430 (butter) — contrast only: reports nutrient 1404 beside a larger unqualified 1270 figure; not transferred onto gheeActive: FDC nutrient ID — 1270 (unqualified 18:3) — 1,447 mg remains internal and unpublishedSupporting: FDC nutrient ID — 1404 (18:3 n‑3, ALA) — present on butter FDC 173430; Not established on the ghee recordActive: DOI or database record — Not established Rejected identifiersNot established | The cited record contains unqualified 18:3, while animal diet, processing and minor isomers can affect the lipid profile. | DecisionRuminant 18:3 is not a single isomer.ActionDo not publish ALA or include 1,447 mg in identified omega‑3. The milligrams stay internal and unpublished. | SourceUSDA SR Legacy FDC 173412 nutrient 1270 only; contrast butter FDC 173430, which reports nutrient 1404 (0.315 g ALA) beside a larger unqualified 1270 figure. | Under review |
| FCIR-007 | Soy | Whole-bean 18:3 quantity vs soybean-oil grams; isomer identity of 18:3 | Verified identityAlpha-linolenic acid/0RBV727H71 (LINOLENIC ACID)The UNII applies to the resulting supported interpretation, not to USDA nutrient 1270 by itself. Unresolvable source fieldUSDA nutrient 1270 is unresolvable by itself; the ALA UNII is attached to the supported interpretation. | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Mature raw soybeans; not oil, flour, lecithin, tofu, natto, miso or tempeh Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 n‑3) Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — FDC 174270 (Soybeans, mature seeds, raw) — quantity recordSupporting: FDC food ID — FDC 171411 (Oil, soybean, salad or cooking) — isomer identity only; oil grams are not copied onto the seedActive: FDC nutrient ID — 1270 (unqualified 18:3) — 1,330 mg/100 g on FDC 174270Supporting: FDC nutrient ID — 1404 (18:3 n‑3, ALA) — 6.789 g/100 g on soybean oil; identity, not transferred quantitySupporting: FDC nutrient ID — 1321 (GLA) — 0 on soybean oil FDC 171411Active: DOI or database record — Not established Rejected identifiersNot established | “Soy” can refer to whole beans, cooked beans, flour, lecithin or oil, each with a different composition basis. | DecisionMature raw soybeans are the food on this page. Soybean oil is a different food and may supply isomer identity, not oil grams.ActionPublish 1.33 g ALA* from this seed record. Do not copy the oil’s 6.789 g/100 g onto soy, tofu, natto, miso or tempeh.Public rowala_interpreted | SourceQuantity: FDC 174270, Soybeans, mature seeds, raw, nutrient 1270 = 1,330 mg (6.7% of 19.94 g fat). Identity: FDC 171411, Oil, soybean, salad or cooking, nutrient 1404 = 6.789 g/100 g and nutrient 1321 (GLA) = 0. The oil’s ALA share is 6.8% of fat — USDA agreeing with itself on proportion, not a transferred quantity. | Resolved |
| FCIR-008 | Avocado oil | “Linolenic (C18:3)” vs n‑3 ALA vs n‑6 GLA; oil vs fruit | Unresolvable source fieldGeneric 18:3 — unresolvable from the source field; neither UNII is assignable. Identity consideredAlpha-linolenic acid/0RBV727H71 (LINOLENIC ACID)not assigned; “linolenic (C18:3)” does not resolve n‑3 versus n‑6 Identity consideredGLA/gamolenic acid/78YC2MAX4O (GAMOLENIC ACID)not assigned; “linolenic (C18:3)” does not resolve n‑3 versus n‑6 | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Avocado oil; not avocado fruit Substance identityCanonical chemical name — 18:3 remains unresolved; not published as ALA Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — FDC 173573 (Oil, avocado) — quantity record for unresolved 18:3Active: FDC nutrient ID — 1270 (unqualified 18:3) — 957 mg remains unresolvedSupporting: FDC nutrient ID — 1404 (18:3 n‑3, ALA) — 0.111 g on avocado fruit FDC 171705; not used for the oilSupporting: FDC nutrient ID — 1321 (GLA) — 0.015 g on avocado fruit FDC 171705; not used for the oilActive: DOI or database record — Not established Rejected identifiersFDC food ID — FDC 171705 (avocado fruit) — different food; 1404/1321 quantities are not transferred onto the oilDOI — 10.3989/gya.0110181 (Fernandes et al. 2018) — wording “linolenic (C18:3)” rejected for isomer resolution | A generic 18:3 value does not state its isomer, and composition varies with cultivar, extraction and refining. | DecisionFernandes’ “linolenic (C18:3)” does not resolve n‑3 versus n‑6. Cultivar and refining change the oil.ActionKeep 957 mg unresolved. Do not publish ALA. Do not copy avocado-fruit 1404/1321 quantities onto the oil. | SourceQuantity: FDC 173573, Oil, avocado, nutrient 1270. Identity attempted: Fernandes et al. 2018 — wording rejected for isomer resolution. Not transferred: avocado fruit FDC 171705 nutrient 1404 = 0.111 g and 1321 = 0.015 g. | Under review |
| FCIR-009 | Salmon roe and Neuroeshot | Alanine mis-stored as ALA; EPA and DHA remain named n‑3 acids | Verified identityEPA/icosapent/AAN7QOV9EA (ICOSAPENT) Verified identityDHA/doconexent/ZAD9OKH9JC (DOCONEXENT) Unresolvable source fieldLeftover 6 mg of unqualified 18:3 remains unpublished; no UNII is assignable. | Food identityScientific species name — Mixed species (FDC description); a single species is Not establishedMaterial/form — Raw mixed-species fish roe; Neuroeshot scales 15 g of that record Substance identityCanonical chemical name — EPA (20:5 n‑3) and DHA (22:6 n‑3); ALA suppressed; leftover unqualified 18:3 unpublished Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — FDC 175132 (Fish, roe, mixed species, raw) — composition record for the food page and recipeActive: FDC nutrient ID — 1278 (EPA, 20:5 n‑3) — 983 mg/100 gActive: FDC nutrient ID — 1272 (DHA, 22:6 n‑3) — 1,363 mg/100 gSupporting: FDC nutrient ID — 1270 (unqualified 18:3) — 6 mg unpublishedActive: DOI or database record — Not established Rejected identifiersFDC nutrient ID — alanine / amino-acid field (alanine) — previously stored as ALA; 214.2 mg of false omega‑3 in the recipe | Roe’s USDA alanine value was stored as ALA and entered the recipe as 214.2 mg of false omega‑3. | DecisionThe previous ALA figure was alanine. EPA and DHA on this record are explicit n‑3 acids.ActionSuppress ALA. Keep EPA 983 mg and DHA 1,363 mg per 100 g. Identified omega‑3 is the sum of verified n‑3 components only.RecipesNeuroeshot | SourceFDC 175132, Fish, roe, mixed species, raw: nutrient 1278 (EPA), 1272 (DHA). Unqualified 18:3 nutrient 1270 = 6 mg, unpublished. Recipe: Neuroeshot scales 15 g of that record. | Resolved |
| FCIR-010 | Total omega‑3 | “Total omega‑3” vs EPA + DHA vs unresolved 18:3 vs amino acids | Verified identityAlpha-linolenic acid/0RBV727H71 (LINOLENIC ACID) Verified identityEPA/icosapent/AAN7QOV9EA (ICOSAPENT) Verified identityDHA/doconexent/ZAD9OKH9JC (DOCONEXENT) Identity consideredDPA/clupanodonic acid/NS3OZT14QT (CLUPANODONIC ACID)USDA complete nutrient name is PUFA 22:5 n‑3 (DPA). GSRS preferred name is clupanodonic acid; official synonyms include 22:5 N-3, C22:5 (N-3), DPA and docosapentaenoic acid. Mapped from that chemical identity, not from an FDC nutrient number. Unresolvable source fieldGeneric 18:3 — unresolvable from the source field; neither UNII is assignable. No public GSRS match locatedPUFA 20:3 n‑3 / (11Z,14Z,17Z)-eicosatrienoic acid — No public GSRS match locatedUSDA complete nutrient name is PUFA 20:3 n‑3, not 22:5 n‑3. GSRS was searched by that chemical identity, CAS 17046-59-2, structure and synonyms. No public match located. Mead acid (JQS194YH3X) is 20:3 n‑9 and DGLA/daleuton (FC398RK06S) is 20:3 n‑6; neither is this isomer. Clupanodonic acid (NS3OZT14QT) is 22:5 n‑3 and is not assigned here. Identity consideredPUFA 20:4 n‑3 / bishomostearidonic acid/2K2DJ01BB7 (BISHOMOSTEARIDONIC ACID)USDA complete nutrient name is PUFA 20:4 n‑3. GSRS preferred name is bishomostearidonic acid; official synonyms include C20:4 (N-3) and ETA. This is not 22:5 n‑3 (clupanodonic acid, NS3OZT14QT) and not 22:5 n‑6 (Osbond acid, 7S686LQT6T). Not applicable—broad classTotal omega‑3 — Not applicable—broad classA total is not a single molecular identity. | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Not established Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Total explicitly identified omega‑3, distinct from the named pair EPA + DHA Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — Not establishedActive: FDC nutrient ID — 1404 (18:3 n‑3, ALA)Active: FDC nutrient ID — 1278 (20:5 n‑3, EPA)Active: FDC nutrient ID — 1280 (PUFA 22:5 n‑3 (DPA))Active: FDC nutrient ID — 1272 (22:6 n‑3, DHA)Active: FDC nutrient ID — 1405 (PUFA 20:3 n‑3)Active: FDC nutrient ID — 1407 (PUFA 20:4 n‑3)Active: Database record — food-page omega3_components lists (recipe calculation audit: identified omega‑3 is summed only from named n‑3 components) Rejected identifiersFDC nutrient ID — 1270 (unqualified 18:3) — never enters an identified omega‑3 totalFDC nutrient ID — amino-acid fields (alanine and related amino acids) — never enter an identified omega‑3 total | Some totals included corrupted ALA, unresolved 18:3, or were labelled “total” while representing only EPA + DHA. | Decision“Total omega‑3” is not a synonym for EPA + DHA, and it is not a place to park unresolved 18:3 or amino acids.ActionPublish individual acids, the named pair EPA + DHA where that pair is the claim, and a total only when every component is identified and the total equals their sum. | SourceFood-page omega3_components lists. USDA n‑3 identifiers 1404, 1278, 1280, 1272, 1405, 1407. Recipe calculation audit: identified omega‑3 is summed only from those components. | Resolved as rule |
| FCIR-011 | Sunflower lecithin | Lecithin (phospholipid fraction) vs sunflower oil; native vs de-oiled vs fractionated lecithin | Not applicable—broad classPhosphatidylcholine — Not applicable—broad classA phospholipid class, not a single molecular identity. Soybean phosphatidylcholine UNIIs are not used for sunflower lecithin. Identity consideredCholine/N91BDP6H0X (CHOLINE)presence-only until a named specification is declared; derived PC-bound choline must not be called assayed total choline | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Sunflower lecithin; native, de-oiled or fractionated form Not established Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Phosphatidylcholine and choline (presence-only until a named specification is declared) Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — Not establishedActive: FDC nutrient ID — Not establishedActive: DOI or database record — Not establishedSupporting: DOI — 10.1016/j.foodchem.2009.10.025 (Penci et al. 2010) — lecithin-identity evidence, not a quantity Rejected identifiersFDC food ID — FDC 1750349 (Oil, sunflower) — triglyceride stream after phospholipids have been removed, including its ALA, EPA and DHA | Sunflower oil was previously used as a substitute record. Native, de-oiled and fractionated lecithins have materially different phospholipid and PC contents. | DecisionSunflower oil is the triglyceride stream after phospholipids have been removed. It cannot describe lecithin.ActionWithdraw the oil panel. Keep phosphatidylcholine and choline as presence-only until a named native or de-oiled specification is declared. Do not call a derived choline moiety a measured total choline.Public rowphosphatidylcholine_qual | SourceWithdrawn: FDC 1750349, Oil, sunflower (including its ALA, EPA and DHA). Retained as lecithin-identity evidence, not as a quantity: Penci et al. 2010. | Provisionally resolved |
| FCIR-012 | MCT oil | Formulated C8/C10 MCT oil vs canola long-chain seed oil | Identity consideredMedium-chain triglycerides/C9H2L21V7U (MEDIUM-CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES)class identifier; the page uses a named C8/C10 specification, not a universal MCT oil Identity consideredCaprylic acid/OBL58JN025 (CAPRYLIC ACID)declared C8 in the named specification; individual milligrams are not published as a universal MCT oil Identity consideredCapric acid/4G9EDB6V73 (CAPRIC ACID)declared C10 in the named specification; individual milligrams are not published as a universal MCT oil Rejected identityAlpha-linolenic acid/0RBV727H71 (LINOLENIC ACID)canola ALA withdrawn with FDC 748278 | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — MCT Premium C8 & C10, declared 60% C8 / 40% C10 Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Medium-chain triglycerides, predominantly 8:0 and 10:0; energy and total fat from the named specification Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — FDC 2543941 (MCT Premium C8 & C10) — 833 kcal and 100 g fat per 100 gActive: FDC nutrient ID — Not establishedActive: DOI or database record — Not establishedSupporting: Database record — Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (medium-chain triglycerides as triacylglycerols predominantly 8:0 and 10:0) Rejected identifiersFDC food ID — FDC 748278 (Oil, canola) — saturated fat 6.61 g; ALA 7,450 mg; chemically different oil | A canola-oil record had been used for a chemically different formulated oil. | DecisionCanola is a long-chain seed oil. MCT oil is a formulated C8/C10 triglyceride product.ActionWithdraw canola. Publish energy and fat from a named specification, with the C8:C10 ratio treated as formulation-specific. | SourceCurrent: FDC 2543941, MCT Premium C8 & C10, declared 60% C8 / 40% C10; 833 kcal and 100 g fat per 100 g. Withdrawn: FDC 748278, Oil, canola (saturated fat 6.61 g; ALA 7,450 mg). Class definition: Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, medium-chain triglycerides as triacylglycerols predominantly 8:0 and 10:0. | Resolved for named specification |
| FCIR-013 | Algal oil | DHA-rich vs combined DHA/EPA authorised oils; no USDA algal-oil food | Verified identityDHA/doconexent/ZAD9OKH9JC (DOCONEXENT)DHA leads the authorised algal-oil specifications Identity consideredEPA/icosapent/AAN7QOV9EA (ICOSAPENT)shown only where the combined DHA/EPA formulation specifies it | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Authorised algal-oil product specifications; DHA-rich and DHA/EPA oils are distinct formulations Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) only where the combined formulation specifies it Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — Not establishedActive: FDC nutrient ID — Not establishedActive: Database record — Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 (Union list of novel foods, consolidated 25 September 2024)Supporting: Database record — NIH omega‑3 consumer fact sheet (label-dose and vegetarian algal-oil context)Supporting: DOI — 10.1016/j.jada.2008.04.020 (Arterburn et al. 2008) — absorption context; intervention was capsules, not culinary oil Rejected identifiersNot established | A canola record had previously been used where USDA had no exact algal-oil composition. DHA-rich and combined DHA/EPA oils are distinct formulations. | DecisionThere is no USDA SR Legacy algal-oil food. Canola, fish oil and other oils are not proxies. DHA-rich and DHA/EPA oils are different authorised formulations.ActionPublish regulatory specification rows, not a substitute composition panel. DHA leads; EPA is shown only where the combined formulation specifies it. Per-serving milligrams come from the product label. | SourceCommission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 (consolidated 25 September 2024). NIH omega‑3 consumer fact sheet. Absorption context: Arterburn et al. 2008. | Resolved |
| FCIR-014 | Reishi mushroom: Ganoderma lucidum; declared material Not established | Reishi vs beech mushroom; fruiting body, mycelium, powder and extract are compositionally distinct | Not applicable—broad classFungal polysaccharides — Not applicable—broad classNo single molecular identity exists. | Food identityScientific species name — Ganoderma lucidumMaterial/form — Fruiting body, mycelium, powder and extract are distinct; the declared material for this page is Not established Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Fungal polysaccharides (qualitative until exact-species, exact-material evidence is attached) Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — Not establishedActive: FDC nutrient ID — Not establishedActive: DOI or database record — Not established Rejected identifiersFDC food ID — FDC 2003603 (Mushroom, beech) — identifies beech mushroom rather than Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum); USDA SR Legacy has no reishi recordDOI — Not established (replacement must be Ganoderma analytical literature with material and dry/fresh basis stated) | The page cited a beech-mushroom record for a different species. Fruiting body, mycelium, powder and extract are also compositionally distinct. | DecisionBeech mushroom is a different species from Ganoderma lucidum. No value taken from that record was a measurement of reishi.ActionWithdraw the complete beech-derived panel. Keep polysaccharides qualitative until exact-species, exact-material evidence is attached.Public rowpolysaccharides_qual | SourceWithdrawn: FDC 2003603, Mushroom, beech. USDA SR Legacy has no reishi record. Replacement must be Ganoderma analytical literature with material and dry/fresh basis stated. | Source withdrawn; research active |
| FCIR-015 | Turkey tail mushroom: Trametes versicolor; declared material Not established | Turkey tail vs beech mushroom; woody bracket fungus vs culinary edible portion | Not applicable—broad classBeta-glucans — Not applicable—broad classNo single molecular identity exists. Not applicable—broad classFungal polysaccharides — Not applicable—broad classNo single molecular identity exists. | Food identityScientific species name — Trametes versicolorMaterial/form — Woody bracket fungus; fruiting body, mycelium and extract are distinct. A culinary per-100 g edible-portion panel would misdescribe it even if the species matched. Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Beta-glucans and polysaccharides (qualitative) Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — Not establishedActive: FDC nutrient ID — Not establishedActive: DOI or database record — Not established Rejected identifiersFDC food ID — FDC 2003603 (Mushroom, beech) — identifies beech mushroom rather than turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)DOI — Not established (replacement must be exact-species analytical literature distinguishing fruiting body, mycelium and extract) | The page cited a beech-mushroom record for a different species. | DecisionTrametes versicolor is not beech mushroom. A culinary edible-portion panel would also misdescribe a woody bracket fungus.ActionWithdraw the substituted panel. Keep beta-glucans and polysaccharides qualitative.Public rowbeta_glucans_qual | SourceWithdrawn: FDC 2003603, Mushroom, beech. Replacement must be exact-species analytical literature distinguishing fruiting body, mycelium and extract. | Source withdrawn; research active |
| FCIR-016 | Cordyceps: Cordyceps militaris stroma or declared cultured mycelium; commercial product Not established | Polysaccharides; cordycepin; adenosine considered separately | Identity consideredCordycepin/GZ8VF4M2J8 (CORDYCEPIN)Identity considered; food presence/quantity not yet established. Assigning the chemical identity does not establish presence in an undeclared Cordyceps product. Identity consideredAdenosine/K72T3FS567 (ADENOSINE)Identity considered; food presence/quantity not yet established. Assigning the chemical identity does not establish presence in an undeclared Cordyceps product. Not applicable—broad classFungal polysaccharides — Not applicable—broad classNo single molecular identity exists. | Food identityScientific species name — Not established for the commercial product; Cordyceps militaris is a candidate form, not a verified source matchMaterial/form — Stroma or cultured mycelium; declared species and material Not established Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Fungal polysaccharides (qualitative). Cordycepin and adenosine are considered separately and are Not established as published quantities. Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — Not establishedActive: FDC nutrient ID — Not establishedActive: DOI or database record — Not established Rejected identifiersFDC food ID — FDC 2003603 (Mushroom, beech) — identifies beech mushroom rather than Cordyceps; replacement pendingDOI — Not established (replacement requires named species and named fruiting-body, mycelium or product analysis) | A related mushroom record could not establish Cordyceps composition, and commercial products may represent different species or cultured mycelia. | DecisionThe beech record cannot establish Cordyceps. Commercial products may be C. militaris stroma or cultured mycelium.ActionKeep quantitative composition withdrawn. Keep polysaccharides qualitative until species and material are declared and matched.Public rowpolysaccharides_qual | SourceWithdrawn: FDC 2003603, Mushroom, beech. Replacement requires named species and named fruiting-body, mycelium or product analysis. | Source withdrawn; research active |
| FCIR-017 | Related-food substitution | Authoritative identifier describing a related ingredient rather than the food on the page | Not applicable—broad classRelated-food substitution rule — Not applicable—broad classThis case is an identity-matching rule, not a single substance. | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Match food or product, species, edible material, preparation state and formulation Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Not established Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — Not establishedActive: FDC nutrient ID — Not establishedActive: DOI or database record — Not established Rejected identifiersFDC food ID — FDC 748278 (Oil, canola) — worked example: MCT oil, FCIR-012FDC food ID — FDC 1750349 (Oil, sunflower) — worked example: sunflower lecithin, FCIR-011FDC food ID — FDC 2003603 (Mushroom, beech) — worked example: reishi, turkey tail and cordyceps, FCIR-014–FCIR-016 | Some apparently authoritative records described a related ingredient rather than the food on the page. | DecisionAn authoritative identifier is not enough if it describes a related ingredient.ActionMatch food or product, species, edible material, preparation state and formulation. On mismatch, withdraw the whole panel. | SourceWorked examples: MCT oil vs canola (FCIR-012); sunflower lecithin vs sunflower oil (FCIR-011); reishi, turkey tail and cordyceps vs beech mushroom (FCIR-014–FCIR-016). Document the rejected record on the food page. | Resolved as rule |
| FCIR-018 | Tofu, natto, miso, tempeh | Each food’s unqualified 18:3 vs soybean-oil grams; isomer identity of 18:3 | Verified identityAlpha-linolenic acid/0RBV727H71 (LINOLENIC ACID)The UNII applies to the resulting supported interpretation, not to USDA nutrient 1270 by itself. Unresolvable source fieldEach food’s USDA 1270 field is unresolvable by itself; the ALA UNII is attached to the supported interpretation. | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Tofu; natto; miso; tempeh — each its own food, not soybean oil Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 n‑3) Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — FDC 172475 (tofu) — 582 mg unqualified 18:3 / 100 gActive: FDC food ID — FDC 172443 (natto) — 734 mg unqualified 18:3 / 100 gActive: FDC food ID — FDC 172442 (miso) — 405 mg unqualified 18:3 / 100 gActive: FDC food ID — FDC 174272 (tempeh) — 248 mg unqualified 18:3 / 100 gSupporting: FDC food ID — FDC 171411 (Oil, soybean, salad or cooking) — isomer identity via nutrient 1404; oil grams are not copiedActive: FDC nutrient ID — 1270 (unqualified 18:3) — quantity on each food recordSupporting: FDC nutrient ID — 1404 (18:3 n‑3, ALA) — soybean oil identity, not transferred oil gramsActive: DOI or database record — Not established Rejected identifiersNot established | Each food’s USDA record reports unqualified 18:3. Oil grams must not be copied onto these foods. | DecisionEach food keeps its own USDA 18:3 milligrams. Isomer identity is taken from USDA soybean oil 1404, not from oil grams.ActionPublish the asterisked ALA rows. Leave tempeh’s lower fat share (~2.3% vs ~6.8% in the oil) standing; do not “correct” it toward the oil.Public rowala_interpreted | SourceTofu FDC 172475 582 mg; natto FDC 172443 734 mg; miso FDC 172442 405 mg; tempeh FDC 174272 248 mg — all nutrient 1270. Identity: soybean oil FDC 171411 nutrient 1404. | Resolved |
| FCIR-019 | Spirulina | Cyanobacterial unqualified 18:3 vs ALA; inverse of the flax case | Unresolvable source fieldGeneric 18:3 — unresolvable from the source field; neither UNII is assignable. Identity consideredGLA/gamolenic acid/78YC2MAX4O (GAMOLENIC ACID)cyanobacterial 18:3 is predominantly GLA, but this record does not name the isomer so GLA is not published Rejected identityAlpha-linolenic acid/0RBV727H71 (LINOLENIC ACID)treating 823 mg as ALA would invert the omega family | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Dried spirulina (Seaweed, spirulina, dried as named by the FDC record) Substance identityCanonical chemical name — 18:3 remains unresolved; not published as ALA or as GLA, because this record does not name the isomer Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — FDC 170495 (Seaweed, spirulina, dried) — 823 mg unqualified 18:3; no 1404 or 1321Active: FDC nutrient ID — 1270 (unqualified 18:3) — 823 mg; left unresolved and unpublishedSupporting: FDC nutrient ID — 1404 (18:3 n‑3, ALA) — Not established on this recordSupporting: FDC nutrient ID — 1321 (GLA) — Not established on this recordActive: DOI or database record — Not established Rejected identifiersNot established | USDA reports 823 mg of unqualified 18:3. Cyanobacterial 18:3 is the inverse flax case. | DecisionCyanobacterial 18:3 is predominantly GLA, the inverse of flax. Treating 823 mg as ALA would invert the omega family.ActionDo not publish ALA. Do not publish GLA from this record either, because the record does not name the isomer. | SourceFDC 170495, Seaweed, spirulina, dried, nutrient 1270 = 823 mg; no 1404 or 1321. Page limitations note records the inverse-flax reading. | Reference case |
| FCIR-020 | Chia seeds | Whether chia 18:3 is already named as 18:3 n‑3 on the USDA record | Verified identityAlpha-linolenic acid/0RBV727H71 (LINOLENIC ACID)USDA nutrient 1404 already names 18:3 n‑3; no overlay is required. | Food identityScientific species name — Not establishedMaterial/form — Dried chia seeds Substance identityCanonical chemical name — Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 n‑3) Source identifiersActive: FDC food ID — FDC 170554 (Seeds, chia seeds, dried) — composition record already names 18:3 n‑3Active: FDC nutrient ID — 1404 (18:3 n‑3, ALA) — 17,830 mg/100 g; no combined-provenance overlayActive: DOI or database record — Not established Rejected identifiersNot established | Chia is an ALA-rich seed, but the site still requires an explicit n‑3 identifier rather than an assumed 18:3. | DecisionThis USDA record already identifies 18:3 n‑3. No overlay is required.ActionPublish 17,830 mg ALA per 100 g from nutrient 1404.Public rowala_mgRecipesGinger Yogurt and Blueberries; Matcha Mitochondria Smoothie; Salmon Bowl-pistachio-cacao-nibs | SourceFDC 170554, Seeds, chia seeds, dried, nutrient 1404. | Resolved |
Technical notes
These notes add calculation detail for selected cases.
Technical notes: FCIR-003 — Flax seeds
The published 22.8 g is 22,813 mg/100 g from FDC 169414 nutrient 1270, interpreted as ALA. FDC 2262075 nutrient 1404 (19.42 g/100 g, ground flax) is isomer-identity evidence, not a replacement quantity: that record is ground seed with a different fat content. ALA is 57.2% of fatty acids in 2262075 against 57.1% in 169414. Do not convert an oil percentage into grams of seed.
Technical notes: FCIR-004 — Walnuts
USDA FDC 170187 nutrient 1270 supplies the whole-kernel quantity (9,080 mg/100 g). Named GC studies identify that 18:3 as ALA. Do not wait on Foundation nutrient 1404 (absent from FDC 2346394) and do not substitute milligrams derived from oil × fraction arithmetic for USDA’s kernel quantity.
Technical notes: FCIR-007 — Soy
Mature raw soybeans (FDC 174270) supply 1,330 mg unqualified 18:3 per 100 g (6.7% of 19.94 g fat). Soybean oil (FDC 171411) nutrient 1404 = 6.789 g/100 g and nutrient 1321 (GLA) = 0; the oil’s ALA share is 6.8% of fat. That is USDA agreeing with itself on proportion, not a transferred oil quantity. Do not copy 6.789 g/100 g onto soy, tofu, natto, miso or tempeh.
Technical notes: FCIR-018 — Tofu, natto, miso and tempeh
Each food keeps its own USDA 1270 milligrams: tofu 582 mg, natto 734 mg, miso 405 mg, tempeh 248 mg per 100 g. Isomer identity is soybean oil FDC 171411 nutrient 1404, not oil grams. Tempeh’s fat share (~2.3% vs ~6.8% in the oil) is left standing; it is not “corrected” toward the oil.
Status meanings
- Resolved: sufficient evidence supports the current public treatment.
- Provisionally resolved: treatment is defensible but remains formulation- or evidence-dependent.
- Under review: no public specific value should be inferred yet.
- Source withdrawn; research active: an invalid source has been removed and replacement evidence is being sought.
- Active rule: a standing identity rule, not a single-food value.
- Resolved as rule: a standing identity rule, not a single-food value.
- Reference case: retained because it demonstrates an important interpretation rule.
- Resolved for named specification: sufficient evidence supports the current public treatment for the named specification.
Editorial ownership
Scientific provenance lead: pending formal acceptance by Larry Callahan Review cycle: every material source change and at least annually Last substantive review: August 2026
This register is a BRAIN Diet project. It is not an FDA or USDA project.