Are there DITA structures for documenting nutritional information, ingredient sourcing, and dietary restrictions?

Within DITA XML, various structures and elements can be employed to effectively document nutritional information, ingredient sourcing, and dietary restrictions. These capabilities are particularly valuable in the food service industry, where providing accurate and transparent information to consumers is essential for both compliance and meeting customer expectations.

Nutritional Information

DITA supports the documentation of nutritional information by allowing structured content creation. For example, a DITA topic can include sections for different nutrients such as calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Each nutrient can have its own element for detailed information like quantity per serving, daily value, and ingredient breakdown. Here’s an example:


<topic id="nutritional_info">
  <title>Nutritional Information</title>
  <section id="calories">
    <title>Calories</title>
    <quantity>250</quantity>
    <daily-value>12%</daily-value>
  </section>
  <section id="protein">
    <title>Protein</title>
    <quantity>15g</quantity>
    <daily-value>30%</daily-value>
  </section>
  <!-- More nutrients go here -->
</topic>

Ingredient Sourcing

DITA can also be used to document ingredient sourcing by providing details about the origin of ingredients used in food products. This information can be structured with sections for each ingredient, including its source, supplier, and any relevant certifications. Here’s an example:


<topic id="ingredient_sourcing">
  <title>Ingredient Sourcing</title>
  <section id="ingredient_1">
    <title>Ingredient 1</title>
    <source>Farm A</source>
    <supplier>Supplier X</supplier>
    <certifications>Organic, Non-GMO</certifications>
  </section>
  <section id="ingredient_2">
    <title>Ingredient 2</title>
    <source>Farm B</source>
    <supplier>Supplier Y</supplier>
    <certifications>Local, Sustainable</certifications>
  </section>
  <!-- More ingredients go here -->
</topic>

Dietary Restrictions

For documenting dietary restrictions, DITA enables the creation of structured content that outlines specific dietary requirements and restrictions for different food items. You can use DITA elements to provide clear information about allergens, religious dietary considerations, and more. Each dietary restriction can be a separate topic or section, ensuring that the information is well-organized and easily accessible to consumers.