WWEIA data are collected using USDA’s dietary data collection instrument, the Automated Multiple-Pass Method (AMPM). The AMPM is a fully computerized method for collecting 24-hour dietary recalls either in person or by telephone. In this multiple-pass method, information is collected by 5 standardized steps. The AMPM is a research-based approach designed to enhance efficient collection of complete and accurate food intake data in large-scale national surveys and reduce respondent burden. The AMPM is updated yearly to reflect the changing food supply
The AMPM collects a list of all foods and beverages consumed in a 24-hour period. Information captured by AMPM includes:
- For each food...
- Description of food
- Additions to the food (for example, milk on cereal or cream in coffee)
- Combination code that identifies foods eaten together
(such as milk added to cereal)
- Amount of food consumed
- Time eaten
- Name of eating occasion
- Where obtained
- Eaten at home or not
- Water consumption - bottled and tap water
- Use of salt in preparing foods and at the table
- Whether the amount of food consumed on the recall day was much more than usual, usual, or much less than usual
- Currently on a diet to lose weight or some other health-related reason