The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) will host an interactive Community Conversation on “What the Latest Food Policy Debates Mean for the Food System” on Wednesday, June 17, from 12:00–1:00 P.M. CT.

Free and open to the public, the Community Conversation is based on the recent House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing, “Healthier America: Legislative Proposals on the Regulation and Oversight of Food,” which brought forward a slate of proposals on “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) oversight and food chemical reassessment, front-of-pack nutrition labeling and readability reforms, infant formula and baby food protections, food dyes and additives, supplement listing, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) capacity and coordination.

During the Community Conversation, IFT Chief Science and Technology Officer Brendan Niemira, Ph.D., and IFT VP of Science and Policy Anna Rosales, R.D. will break down the policy trajectory emerging from the hearing. They will also engage attendees in thoughtful discussions about the real-world implications of these proposed regulatory changes and will discuss how the food science community can prepare.

Attendees will gain a clear summary of the key policy themes driving current congressional action on food oversight and a practical view of how GRAS reform and food chemical review could change the ingredient landscape. Participants will investigate why additives, dyes, and ultra-processed foods remain central in the “science versus perception” debate.

Register for the Community Conversation here.