By Jamie Martin
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing food science and its global applications, is set to tackle today’s most pressing food safety issues during its IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo.
The event will be held July 13-16, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago, and will bring together industry leaders, scientists, and regulators for dynamic discussions on food safety and innovation.
A key highlight of the event is the keynote session titled “Food Additives: Reformulation and Regulatory Challenges,” which will explore the increasing pressure on food and beverage companies to replace synthetic additives like preservatives, colors, and other ingredients.
Five distinguished experts from legal, regulatory, and consumer advocacy fields will discuss the complexities surrounding clean label reformulations, technical and financial challenges, and how companies can remain competitive amid evolving market demands.
IFT FIRST will also feature sessions focusing on GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) regulations, the FDA’s modern approach to food safety, and the introduction of novel food ingredients. Additional panels will address public health concerns, persistent food recall issues, international regulatory impacts, and the importance of consumer trust in food safety.
Preceding the main event, IFT’s Food Microbiology Division will host a workshop titled “NextGen Food Safety: Bridging Farm to Table with Smart Tech Solutions” on July 12-13.
Aimed at agri-food professionals, the session will cover key topics such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
“Consumer expectations around food safety, transparency, and ingredient integrity are evolving, and the food system must rise to meet that demand,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “At IFT FIRST, we bring together experts from across academia, industry, and government to tackle complex challenges head-on—and ensure that we’re not just keeping up with change but driving it.”
The expo floor will feature top innovations, including Sensient’s butterfly pea flower extract now FDA-approved as a natural blue dye and Datacor’s software for real-time monitoring, traceability, and compliance. IFT members receive discounted registration. For more details, contact membershipinfo@ift.org or visit, https://www.iftevent.org/
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: National