Gut Content and Laboratory Survival of the Termite Cornitermes cumulans (Isoptera: Termitidae: Syntermitinae) with Different Diets Including Nest Stored Food.

Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar, 1832) is a mound-building termite that stores food nodules in the nest, which seems to be pre-chewed and regurgitated by workers. Information on the food resources used by this species is still scarce, and this study aimed to understand the feeding habits of C. cumulans using a qualitative analysis of the worker gut contents, and to select the best food to keep termites under laboratorial conditions. Thus, four food resources and five artificial diets were tested to evaluate the laboratory survival of C. cumulans. Food nodules from nests were used as a positive control, and no food was available in cages for negative control. Ten replicates using 30 workers plus three soldiers were performed for each type of food and for each control. The experiments were daily examined for termite survival during a 40-day period. Data were analyzed using the log-rank (Mantel-cox) test (P < 0.05). The qualitative analysis of the gut contents showed different materials, such as plant parts, fungi, and minerals. Data analysis showed that all of the survival curves of termites fed with artificial diets and food items were significantly different from that obtained with termites fed on food nodules, which showed the highest survival, followed by the diets of α-cellulose, corn stalk, and sugarcane bagasse. Then, our findings showed that the most adequate artificial foods to maintain populations of C. cumulans in the laboratory were the diets of α-cellulose, corn stalk, and sugarcane bagasse.

Effect of a multifunctional edible coating based on cassava starch on the shelf life of Andean blackberry.

The blackberry is a fragile fruit with a high degree of decomposition, which limits its shelf life. The effect of an edible coating (EC) based on cassava starch, whey protein, beeswax, chitosan, glycerol, stearic acid, and glacial acetic acid on the shelf life of fruit stored at 4 °C was evaluated. The physical, chemical, physical, microbiological, and sensorial quality was evaluated, comparing with a fresh control fruit. The EC had a positive effect on the physicochemical and sensorial properties (mainly in texture, flavor, and aromas), due to the reduction of physiological processes, whereas the color changes are mainly due to anthocyanin losses. After 10 days of storage, weight losses were 39.6% lower and firmness was 81.4% higher; while chitosan reduced the mold and yeast count. The EC increased the useful life of the Andean blackberries by 100%.

Utilização de ferramenta estratégica no controle de estoque em unidades de alimentação e nutrição / Use of strategic tools in stock control in food and nutrition units / Uso de herramientasestratégicas en el control de stock en alimentos y unidades de nutrición

Introdução:Há diferentes ferramentas para gerenciamentode estoque e ter um bom controle garantirá melhor resultado financeiro e qualidade dos produtos armazenados em um estabelecimento. Como por exemplo o sistema de custeio ABCqueé um método eficaz e de baixo custo. Objetivo: Elaborar e analisar a curva ABCde duas Unidades de Alimentação e Nutrição de um órgão federaldo Rio Grande do Norte.Metodologia:Trata-se deum estudo de caso com delineamento descritivo, recorte transversal e abordagem quantitativa realizadoem dois restaurantes universitários.Para a obtenção dos dados, houve a necessidade da análise dos cardápios semanais planejados para desjejum, almoço e jantar de ambas as entidades. O custo anual de cada gênero alimentício consumido nos restaurantes foiorganizado em planilha no Microsoft Excel para cálculo do percentual individual e acumulado. Posteriormente foram elaboradas as curvas ABC, de modo que itens com percentual acumulado até 80% foram classificados como A, de 80,01% e 95% como B e de 95,01% a 100%comoC.Resultados:Foram identificados 198 gêneros alimentícios presentes no estoque do restaurante 1 e 111 presentes no restaurante 2. Na curva ABC do restaurante 1 foi encontrado na categoria A: 79,72% (31 itens); na categoria B: 15,18% (49 itens); e na categoria C: 5,09% (118 itens). Norestaurante 2 na categoria A: 79,73% (36 itens); categoria B: 15,21% (36 itens); e categoria C: 5,06% (39 itens).Conclusões:Devido as instituições serem de portes diferentes, as curvas ABC foram divergentes. Entretanto, alguns alimentos foram comuns, principalmente na categoria A, composta por itens proteicos e de alto custo. Percebeu-se que para um gerenciamento adequado é necessário um controle de custos eficiente, o qual necessita da aplicação de sistemas de análise sobre as informações gerenciais disponibilizadas,como a curva ABC (AU).

Introduction:There are different tools for managing inventory and having a good control willguarantee better financial results and quality of the products stored in an establishment. For example, the ABC costing system, since it is an effective and low cost method.Objective:Develop and analyze the ABC curve of two Food and Nutrition Units of afederal agency located in Rio Grande do Norte.Methodology:This is a case study with descriptive design, cross-sectional and quantitative approach performed in two University Restaurants. To obtain the data, it was necessary to analyze the weekly menus planned for breakfast, lunch and dinner for both entities. The annual cost of each foodstuff consumed in restaurants was organized in an Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to calculate the individual and accumulated percentage. Subsequently, the ABC curves were elaborated, so that items with an accumulated percentage of up to 80% were classified as A, 80.01% and 95% as B and 95.01% to 100%asC.Results:198 foodstuffs present in the stock of Restaurant 1 and 111 present in Restaurant 2 were identified. On the ABC curve of restaurant 1,category Awas found: 79.72% (31 items); Category B: 15.18% (49 items); Category C: 5.09% (118 items). In restaurant 2 incategory A: 79.73% (36 items); Category B: 15.21% (36 items); Category C: 5.06% (39 items).Conclusions:Because the institutions are of different sizes, the ABC curves were divergent. However, some foods were common, mainly in category A, consisting of protein items and high cost. It was noticed that for an adequate management it is necessary an efficient cost control, which requires the application of systems of analysis on the management information made available as the ABC curve (AU).

Introducción: Existen diferentes herramientas para lagestióndelinventario y tener un buen control garantizará mejores resultados financieros y la calidad de los productos almacenados en un establecimiento. Por ejemplo, el sistema de costeo ABC, que es un método efectivo y de bajo costo.Objetivo: Desarrollar y analizar la curva ABC de dos Unidades de Alimentos y Nutrición de una agencia federal ubicada en Rio Grande do Norte.Metodología: Este es un caso de estudio con diseño descriptivo, enfoque transversal y cuantitativo realizado en dos restaurantes universitarios. Para obtener los datos, fue necesario analizar los menús semanales planificados para el desayuno, el almuerzo y la cena para ambas entidades. El costo anual de cada alimento consumido en restaurantes se organizó en una hoja de cálculoMicrosoftExcel para calcular el porcentaje individual y acumulado. Posteriormente, se elaboraron las curvas ABC, de modo que los artículos con un porcentaje acumulado de hasta el 80% se clasificaron como A, del 80.01% y 95% B y del 95.01% al 100% C. Resultados: Se identificaron 198 alimentos presentes en el stock del Restaurante 1 y 111 presentes en el Restaurante 2. En la curva ABC del restaurante 1, se encontró la categoría A: 79.72% (31 artículos); Categoría B: 15,18% (49 artículos); Categoría C: 5.09% (118 artículos). En el restaurante2 de la categoría A: 79.73% (36 artículos); Categoría B: 15,21% (36 artículos); Categoría C: 5.06% (39 artículos).Conclusiones: Debido a que las instituciones son de diferentes tamaños, lascurvas ABC eran divergentes. Sin embargo, algunos alimentos eran comunes, principalmente en la categoría A, compuestos por elementos proteicos de alto costo. Se observó que para una gestión adecuada es necesario un control de costos eficiente, que requiere la aplicación de sistemas de análisis sobre la información de gestión disponible como la curva ABC (AU).

Estudio de estabilidad acelerado en café verde: una aproximación sensorial / Accelerated stability test in green coffee: A sensory approach / Estudo da estabilidade acelerada em café verde: uma abordagem sensorial

Resumen Introducción: el café verde es un producto del mercado mundial cuyo precio es determinado por sus características sensoriales en taza; sin embargo, estos atributos cambian durante el almacenamiento, convirtiendo esta etapa de la cadena productiva en una etapa crucial para garantizar la calidad del producto. Objetivo: en este trabajo se buscó determinar el impacto de diversos factores de almacenamiento en la calidad sensorial y física del café verde colombiano, bajo condiciones de estabilidad acelerada y natural. Materiales y métodos: cerezas maduras de café de la misma cosecha fueron procesadas en paralelo por dos métodos postcosecha para obtener café lavado y semilavado, después se sometieron a diferentes tratamientos de almacenamiento. Resultados: el café verde almacenado en condiciones ambientales presentó notas propias de reposo, la densidad y los parámetros del color cambiaron de diferente manera en los dos tipos de café. El comportamiento del café verde en almacenamiento acelerado varió en función de los métodos de beneficio; en el café lavado, el almacenamiento con humedad afecto los atributos sensoriales y alteró la densidad, el % HR y los parámetros de color L* y b*; en el café semilavado, el oxígeno fue el factor de mayor impacto, afectando también la densidad y el color. Conclusiones: diferentes métodos de beneficio de café no solo dan lugar a diferencias en los perfiles de la calidad sensorial, sino que también condicionan el comportamiento del grano de café verde durante el almacenamiento.

Abstract Introduction: Green coffee i s a product of the world market whose price is determined by its sensory characteristics in the cup; however, these attributes change during storage, turning this stage of the production chain into a crucial stage to guarantee product quality. Objective: In the present work we sought to determine the impact of various storage factors on the sensory and physical quality of Colombian green coffee, under conditions of accelerated and natural stability. Materials and methods: Mature coffee cherries from the same harvest were processed in parallel by two post-harvest methods to obtain washed and semi-washed coffee, and then they were subjected to different storage treatments. Results: It was found that green coffee stored under environmental conditions had the characteristic notes of rest; in addition, density and color parameters changed differently in the two types of coffee. The behavior of green coffee in accelerated storage treatments varied according to the processing methods. For the case of washed coffee, storage with humidity negatively affected sensory attributes and also altered density, the RH % and color parameters L* and b*; for the semi-washed coffee, oxygen was the factor that promoted the greatest sensory changes, also affecting density and color. Conclusions: Different coffee post-harvest processes not only give rise to differences in the profiles of sensory quality but also condition the behavior of green coffee bean during storage.

Resumo Introdução: O café verde é um produto do mercado mundial cuj o preço é determinado pelas suas características sensoriais na xícara; no entanto, estes atributos mudam durante o armazenamento, tornando esta etapa da cadeia produtiva em uma etapa crucial para garantir a qualidade do produto. Objetivo: em este trabalho se procura determinar o impacto de diversos fatores de armazenamento na qualidade sensorial e física do café verde colombiano, sob condições de estabilidade acelerada e natural. Materiais e métodos: cerejas maduras do café da mesma colheita foram processadas em paralelo pelos métodos pós-colheita para obter café lavado e semi-lavado, despois someteram-se a diferentes tratamentos de armazenamento. Resultados: o café verde armazenado em condições ambientais apresentou notas próprias de repouso, a densidade e os parâmetros da color mudaram de diferente maneira nos dois tipos de café. O comportamento do café verde em armazenamento acelerado variou em função dos métodos de benefício; no café lavado, o armazenamento com umidade afetou os atributos sensoriais e alterou a densidade, o %HR e os parâmetros da color L* e b*; no café semi-lavado, o oxigénio foi o fator de maior impacto, afetando também a densidade e a color. Conclusões: diferentes processos de pós-colheita do café não só produziriam diferenças nos perfis de qualidade sensorial, mas também condicionam o comportamento do grão de café verde durante o armazenamento.

Listeria spp, in churn storage of raw cow's milk in Tunja - Boyacá / Listeria spp, en cantinas de almacenamiento de leche cruda de vaca en Tunja - Boyacá

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the relationship between the type of detergent, time use of the churn and the type of water used to wash storage churns and the presence of Listeria spp., in samples collected from storage churns of raw cow's milk, in farms of Tunja-Boyacá-Colombia. Materials and methods. 293 samples were collected by non-probabilistic sampling at convenience, in a period of time of 9 months. Isolation of Listeria spp., was performed by microbiological methods and species identification using biochemical tests. A questionnaire was applied to assess the associated factors (the type of detergent, time use of the churn and the type of water used to wash storage churns). Results. The prevalence of L. monocytogenes was 2.7% (n=8). No statistically significant association was found between the variables related to cleaning of churns and the presence of L. monocytogenes. Conclusions. The existence of L. monocytogenes in raw milk was demonstrated, being the prevalence found lower than those reported in national and international studies. It is evidenced the circulation of species of Listeria in the dairy production chain in Boyacá. On the other hand, it is the first overview of L. monocytogenes and L. ivanovii showing the need for the implementation of control measures in the dairy industry.

RESUMEN Objetivo . Determinar la relación entre el tipo de detergente, el tiempo de uso de la cantina y el tipo de agua utilizada para lavado de las cantinas y la presencia de Listeria spp., en muestras recolectadas a partir de cantinas de almacenamiento de leche cruda de vaca, en fincas del municipio de Tunja-Boyacá-Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron 293 muestras mediante muestreo no probabilístico a conveniencia, en un periodo de nueve meses. El aislamiento de Listeria spp., se realizó por métodos microbiológicos y la identificación de especies utilizando pruebas bioquímicas. Se aplicó un cuestionario para evaluar los factores asociados (tipo de detergente, tipo de agua y tiempo de uso de las cantinas). Resultados. La prevalencia de L. monocytogenes fue de 2.7% (n=8). No se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre las variables relacionadas con la limpieza de las cantinas y la presencia de L. monocytogenes. Conclusiones. Se demostró la existencia de L. monocytogenes en leche cruda, siendo la prevalencia encontrada inferior a las reportadas en estudios nacionales e internacionales. Se evidencia la circulación de especies de Listeria en la cadena productiva láctea del departamento de Boyacá. Por otra parte, es el primer panorama de L. monocytogenes y L. ivanovii mostrando la necesidad de la implementación de medidas de control en la industria láctea.

Diseño de un alimento infantil listo para consumir fortificado con hierro a base de arveja (Pisum sativum) / Design of a ready-to-eat child food fortified with pea-based iron (Pisum sativum)

Resumen Introducción: La deficiencia de hierro es uno de los problemas nutricionales más prevalentes a nivel mundial y afecta principalmente a la población vulnerable como niños menores de 5 años. Los alimentos fortificados de consumo infantil hacen parte de las estrategias de intervención y se elaboran a partir de la mezcla ingredientes como cereales, frutas, leguminosas, entre otros. La arveja, es una leguminosa que puede ser empleada con el fin de aprovechar sus propiedades nutricionales. Objetivo: Diseñar un alimento infantil con arveja (Pisum sativum) listo para consumir, fortificado con hierro e higienizado por pasteurización. Materiales y métodos: Se seleccionó el porcentaje de arveja adecuado en el alimento mediante análisis sensorial. La selección de la sal de hierro se realizó mediante análisis fisicoquímico y sensorial empleando sulfato ferroso y hierro aminoquelado. Posteriormente se evaluó el crecimiento de microorganismos mesófilos con el fin de seleccionar el tratamiento térmico de pasteurización. La evaluación de vida útil se llevó a cabo a través de pruebas sensoriales. Finalmente se realizó la evaluación fisicoquímica, composicional y microbiológica del alimento higienizado. Resultados: La adición de arveja en porcentajes no mayores al 6,5% dentro de la formulación del alimento resultó aceptable para los padres de niños menores de 5 años. Por otra parte la sal seleccionada por generar menos cambios sobre el color y la acidez del alimento durante el almacenamiento fue hierro aminoquelado. Los resultados de tratamiento térmico mostraron que para reducir la concentración inicial de mesófilos y obtener un alimento de buena calidad de acuerdo con la normativa colombiana vigente fue necesario someter el alimento a 85°C durante 13 minutos (0,45 D), con lo que se consiguió mantener la calidad inicial del alimento durante 12 días bajo refrigeración. Conclusiones: El alimento desarrollado cumple con los criterios sensoriales y microbiológicos exigidos en la normativa colombiana vigente y es apto para el consumo, además se puede catalogar como alto en hierro y buena fuente de proteína, aportando el 25% y el 15% de la recomendación diaria en Colombia respectivamente.

Abstract Introduction: Iron deficiency is one of the most prevalent nutritional problems at the global level which mainly affects the vulnerable population as children under 5 years of age. Fortified foods of child consumption are part of the intervention strategies, which are made from the mixture of ingredients such as cereals, fruits, legumes, among others. Pea is a legume that can be used in order to take advantage of its nutritional properties. Objective: To design a ready-to-eat child food with peas (Pisum sativum), fortified with iron and sanitized by pasteurization. Materials and methods: The appropriate percentage of peas in the food was selected by sensory analysis. The selection of iron salt was made by physicochemical and sensory analysis using ferrous sulphate and chelate iron. Subsequently, the growth of mesophilic microorganisms was evaluated in order to select the pasteurization heat treatment. The useful life evaluation was carried out through sensory tests. Finally, the physico-chemical, compositional and microbiological evaluation of the sanitized food was implemented. Results: The addition of peas in percentages not greater than 6.5% within the food formulation was acceptable for parents of children under 5. On the other hand, the selected salt to generate less changes on the color and acidity of the food during storage was chelate iron. The results of heat treatment showed that for reducing the initial concentration of mesophiles and obtaining a good quality food according to the Colombian regulations in force, it was necessary to submit the food to 85 °C for 13 minutes (0.45 D), which managed to maintain the initial quality of the food for 12 days under refrigeration. Conclusions: The developed food complies with the sensory and microbiological criteria demanded in the Colombian regulations in force and is suitable for consumption. Besides, it can be catalogued as high in iron and a good source of protein, contributing with 25% and 15% of the daily recommendation in Colombia, respectively.

Disponibilidad de alimentos en los hogares mexicanos de acuerdo con el grado de inseguridad alimentaria / Food availability according to food security-insecurity among Mexican households

Objetivo. Analizar las diferencias en la disponibilidad de alimentos en los hogares mexicanos de acuerdo con el grado de inseguridad alimentaria (IA). Material y métodos. Análisis de la Encuesta Nacional de Ingresos y Gastos de los Hogares del año 2010 (n= 27 445 hogares). Los hogares fueron clasificados según la Escala Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Seguridad Alimentaria. La disponibilidad de alimentos se estimó como gramos al día por adulto equivalente. Resultados. En los hogares inseguros existió mayor disponibilidad de maíz, trigo, huevo y azúcares, pero fue menor la disponibilidad de frutas y verduras frescas, carnes magras, pollo, pescados y mariscos, leche, quesos y bebidas azucaradas. Conclusión. Aunque los hogares con IA tienen menor disponibilidad de la mayoría de los grupos de alimentos (tanto de los que tienen alta densidad nutrimental como de los que tienen alta densidad energética), en ellos existe mayor disponibilidad de alimentos que son de bajo costo y que en algunos casos sólo son fuente de energía pero no proporcionan micronutrimentos.

Objective. To know the differences in food availability according to food insecurity level among the Mexican households. Materials and methods. We analyzed the database of the National Survey of Household's Incomes and Expenditures (n=27 445 households). Households were classified according to the Latin American and Caribbean Inventory of Food Security. The availability of each food group was estimated as grams per day per equivalent adult. Results. 50.0% of Mexican households experienced some degree of food insecurity. Among households with food insecurity there was high availability of corn, wheat, egg, and sugars; but there was low availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat, poultry, seafood, milk, cheeses, and sweetened beverages. Conclusion. Although in households with food insecurity there is lower availability of most food groups (both with high nutrient density and with high energy density); they have higher availability of cheap foods, which in some cases are only source of energy but do not provide nutrients.

Food purchasing sites. Repercussions for healthy eating.

Changes in the food system are associated with the increase in consumption of foods with low nutritional value in recent decades. Data on food purchasing for household consumption, collected from the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE--Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) Household Budget Survey (HBS) in 2002-3, were used to describe the contribution of food purchasing sites (FPS) to the diet of Brazilian families. All the 241 distinct FPS mentioned in the HBS were grouped into ten categories, according to the nature of the products available. Food acquisitions were organized into seven groups. Supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for 49% of the acquisitions and were the main source of six out of the seven food groups. Street markets and greengroceries stood out in the acquisitions of fruits and vegetables, accounting for 39% of this market. The large contribution of supermarkets and hypermarkets to the diet shows the need for healthy eating promotion policies aiming at these locations. Street markets and greengroceries represent important allies for healthy eating.

Impacto da estocagem sobre atividade antioxidante e teor de ácido ascórbico em sucos e refrescos de tangerina / Storage impact on the antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid level of mandarin juices and drinks

OBJETIVO: Objetivou-se avaliar a estabilidade do ácido ascórbico em suco in natura de tangerina cultivar Ponkan sob diferentes condições de armazenamento, e em 13 amostras de bebidas industrializadas de tangerina, bem como a estabilidade da atividade antioxidante no suco in natura. MÉTODOS: O suco in natura de tangerina foi armazenado em três temperaturas: ambiente, refrigeração e congelamento. Amostras de tangerinas foram armazenadas sob refrigeração. Treze marcas de bebidas industrializadas de tangerina foram adquiridas e mantidas sob refrigeração. Foram determinados o teor de ácido ascórbico pelo método titulométrico de Tillmans (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) e a atividade antioxidante por meio da capacidade sequestradora do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazila. RESULTADOS: O suco in natura apresentou teor médio de ácido ascórbico de 32,40mg/100mL; a taxa de redução deste nutriente foi maior em temperatura de estocagem mais elevada. A atividade antioxidante média foi de 89,74% de inibição do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazila, apresentando variações de até 4,26% durante o armazenamento. Nas bebidas industrializadas, o teor médio de ácido ascórbico variou entre 1,01 e 10,72mg/100mL, com perdas de até 82,76%. Com base na legislação brasileira, seis marcas de bebidas industrializadas apresentaram não conformidades em relação à declaração do teor de ácido ascórbico nos rótulos. CONCLUSÃO: O suco de tangerina cultivar Ponkan apresenta elevada atividade antioxidante, inclusive durante o armazenamento. Observou-se superioridade nutricional do suco fresco em comparação às bebidas industrializadas, considerando o teor de ácido ascórbico e sua estabilidade. Adicionalmente, os dados obtidos apontam para a necessidade de maior fiscalização em relação à rotulagem nutricional.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the ascorbic acid stability of mandarin juice from the cultivar Ponkan under different storage conditions, and of 13 samples of processed mandarin beverages, as well as the antioxidant activity stability of fresh juice. METHODS: Fresh mandarin juice was stored under three temperatures: room temperature, refrigeration and freezing. Mandarin samples were kept under refrigeration. Thirteen brands of processed mandarin beverages were purchased and kept under refrigeration. Ascorbic acid level was determined by the Tillman's titrimetric method (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) and antioxidant activity by the radical scavenger capacity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical. RESULTS: The mean ascorbic acid level in fresh juice was 32.40mg/100mL and the reduction rate of this nutrient was higher when the samples were stored under higher temperatures. The average antioxidant activity was 89.74% of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical inhibition, with variations of up to 4.26% during storage. Among the processed beverages, the mean ascorbic acid content varied from 1.01 to 10.72mg/100mL, with losses of up to 82.76%. Six brands of processed beverages were considered noncompliant with the Brazilian legislation regarding the ascorbic acid content reported in the labels. CONCLUSION: Mandarin juice from the Ponkan cultivar has high antioxidant activity, even during storage. The fresh juice was nutritionally better than the processed beverages, considering ascorbic acid content and stability. Additionally, the results indicated the need of greater surveillance of nutritional labeling.

Estandarizacióndde los paquetes de asistencia aimentaria de la fundación bancoo arquidiocesano de alimentos fbaa de bogotá d.c. / Standardising the assistance food packages in the Food Bank Foundation at Archdiocese of Bogota´s

Antecedentes. Desde 2001 el Banco de alimentos tiene como propósito recuperar productos frescos y manufacturados de las grandes cadenas e industrias evitando que se pierdan y lograr que éstos terminen en las mesas de las instituciones que ayudan a los más pobres en Bogotá. Objetivo. Estandarizar, la composición y contenido nutricional, de los paquetes de asistencia alimentaria suministrados por el Banco para las fundaciones adscritas, según contexto y necesidades nutricionales. Materiales y métodos. Este estudio descriptivo se organizó en tres fases: se observó, registró y analizó las actividades de programación, facturación y despacho del proceso de organización de donación a las instituciones, bajo un estudio de tiempos y movimientos, documentado en una matriz DOFA; se estudió las características administrativas y técnicas, así como las necesidades de adquisición de paquetes alimentarios de las fundaciones. Esta información se consignó en dos bases de datos; y se elaboró y validó una propuesta con base en las donaciones y clasificación interna, características epidemiológicas del grupo etáreo y cobertura, tipo de atención y número de intercambios por tiempo de comida suministrado. Resultados. Se elaboró un aplicativo sistematizado que captura la información de requisición estandarizada, de acuerdo a las necesidades de paquetes alimentarios por fundación, en factor tiempo. Se optimizó en un 59% este proceso. Conclusiones. Los paquetes alimentarios que entregó la FBAA no estuvieron enfocados a las necesidades reales de la población desde lo nutricional, características mórbidas y dinámica de producción de las fundaciones, esto acarreó pérdida en recursos humanos, técnicos y financieros.

Background. The foodbank's purpose since 2001 has been to recover fresh and manufactured products from large-scale chain-stores and industries, thereby avoiding that they become wasted and managing to ensure that they end up on the tables of the institutions helping the poorest sectors in Bogotá. Objective. Standardising the nutritional composition and content of food assistance packages supplied by the foodbank for member foundations, according to nutritional context and needs. Materials and methods. This was a descriptive study which was organised into three phases. The programming, billing and despatching involved in organising donations to the institutions were observed, recorded and analysed by using a time and motion study. Data was documented on a SWOT matrix (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats). Administrative and technical characteristics were studied as well as the foundations' need for acquiring food assistance packages. This information was entered into two databases and a proposal was prepared and validated based on donations and internal classification, age group's epidemiological characteristics and coverage, type of attention and the number of exchanges per time regarding food supplied. Results. Systematised software was prepared which captured the information concerning standardised requisition according to food package needs per foundation, time being regarded as a factor; the process thus became optimised by 59%. Conclusions. The food packages being delivered by FBAA were not focused on the target population's real needs from a nutritional point of view, morbid characteristics and the foundations' production dynamics. Such handling led to losses in human, technical and financial resources.