Editorial Policy — Data Transparency

Our Editorial Identity

Editorial Policy — Data Transparency is produced by a data editorial team. We are researchers who collect, organize, and present nutritional data — not medical writers, doctors, or registered dietitians. This distinction shapes everything we publish.

What "Data Editorial" Means

Every piece of information on this site falls into one of three categories, and we are transparent about which is which:

Category 1: Nutrition Data

Protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, sodium, calories per 100g. All sourced from USDA FoodData Central. We do not modify, estimate, or interpret these numbers. Our role: verify and present.

Category 2: Guideline Application

Verdicts (Recommended / Moderation / Limit) are calculated by applying published AASLD and ADA thresholds to nutrition data. The thresholds come from guidelines, not from us. Our role: apply consistently.

Category 3: Explanatory Text

FAQs, food descriptions, and guide articles explain how the guidelines apply to specific foods. Written by our research team based on published clinical guidance. Our role: translate guidelines into plain language.

NOT: Medical Advice

We never provide individual dietary prescriptions, supplement dosages, treatment plans, or any language that could be construed as a substitute for professional medical consultation. Our role: refer to qualified professionals.

Editorial Principles

1. Source everything. Every data point links to its USDA FDC ID. Every guideline reference cites the specific document and year.

2. Do not invent data. If USDA does not have a value for a food, we leave it blank. We do not estimate, average, or infer missing nutrition data.

3. Separate data from opinion. The verdict is a mechanical calculation. The FAQ answers are explanatory text. We clearly distinguish between the two.

4. Correct errors publicly. If a user identifies incorrect nutrition data or a misapplied guideline threshold, we correct it and note the correction date. See our Methodology page for details on how verdicts are calculated.

5. We do not claim automated content generation. All content is produced by our research team using published databases and guidelines. We do not claim or imply AI authorship.

Update Policy

Nutrition data is refreshed when USDA releases new FoodData Central versions. Guideline thresholds are updated when AASLD or ADA publish new practice guidance. Content is reviewed for accuracy whenever underlying data or guidelines change.

About Our Data

Editorial Policy — Data Transparency is a data research project, not a medical practice. Our team researches, verifies, and presents nutritional data from public databases — we do not provide medical opinions or individual dietary prescriptions. All nutrition facts are sourced from USDA FoodData Central. Verdict logic follows published AASLD 2023 Practice Guidance and ADA 2024 Standards of Care. This is dietary reference information. Always consult your doctor or a registered dietitian before making dietary changes.