The Users and Advisory Group (UAG) forms part of the management structure of EuroFIR. 

Its role is to:

• advise the Governing Council and Scientific Management Board on the network’s orientations and implementation of its mission to spread excellence;
• assist in evaluation of the network’s Joint Programme of Activities as well as results obtained and provide advice on future activities; and
• make proposals and suggestions to the Scientific Management Board and Governing Council on the Joint Programme of Activities, especially on integration and research.  

The international membership currently comprises 23 key users and stakeholders from outside the EuroFIR network, covering 11 European countries and 4 countries outside Europe (US, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand).  Members include representatives from:

·        food industry including SMEs and related organisations;

·       policy and regulatory bodies, including a number of food safety or standards authorities and EU representation;

·       national and international database compilers;

·       researchers, including from academia, research institutes and a multicentre nutrition epidemiology study;

·       a consumer organisation;

·       dietetics; and

·       tertiary education.

The members have a range of expertise relevant to the EuroFIR network, including food composition, but also nutrition and food science research, quality issues, and analysis. 

The UAG mainly provides advice by correspondence; meetings are also held about once a year.  Their input covers the whole range of workpackages in EuroFIR and has included both specific technical issues (e.g. nutrient prioritisation) and more general feedback (e.g. on the EuroFIR website).  In addition to group activities, individual members also provide added value by undertaking specific activities, including presentations at EuroFIR network meetings and participation in workshops.