A data processing system and method are provided to index, search and present information about defined, “fuzzy” concepts across language, chemical and product identity, composition, biological classification and legal reference. The database system and method permits the use of combinations of concepts, such as labeling, health claims and/or nutritional claims, across linguistic, scientific and legal usages. The user is able to search for concepts in a defined way across any language or means of reference. The definition of the concepts used in the database is accepted as a standard by the database system (user(s). Such standardization then permits one user to pass the results of a search to another user with common meaning, and permits value-added services, such as the capability to provide news services about changes in worldwide regulation of goods and services, i.e., changes in information applicable to the concepts of interest to specific users.