LanguaL

LanguaL™ is a pioneering international framework for food description, designed to standardize the classification and retrieval of food data across various languages and regions. Initiated by the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) in the late 1970s, LanguaL™ incorporates a cooperative effort involving experts in food technology, information science, and nutrition, evolving into a comprehensive thesaurus that catalogs over 40,000 food items from North America, Europe, and beyond.

The LanguaL™ system employs a multilingual thesaurus based on faceted classification, systematically describing food characteristics to assist in data retrieval from global databases, including the USDA National Nutrient Database. Updated periodically, its latest version, launched in April 2017, includes new descriptors and refined coding aligned with established food classification standards. With indexed datasets aiding in regulatory compliance and research, LanguaL™ serves as an essential resource for researchers, health professionals, and food industry stakeholders seeking reliable information on food composition and safety.