IFT FIRST Keynotes to Focus on Addressing Misinformation, Restoring Confidence in the Food System

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific association committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, will help the global food community restore consumer confidence in two keynote sessions at IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, the leading food science and innovation expo being held July 12-15 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

“Building Trust: Scientific Consensus and Policy for a Safer Food Future” will be held Monday, July 13 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CT. Sponsored by IFT’s Scientific Journals, the multidisciplinary keynote will bring together leaders from government, academia, industry, and consumer advocacy groups to discuss how consensus-building and transparent research inform policy and public trust. The panel, moderated by IFT Chief Science and Technology Officer Brendan Niemira, PhD, will not only address the challenges of defining scientific rigor, but will also discuss the importance of transparency as well as the role of scientific journals and agencies in shaping global standards.

Panelists will include:

• Andrew Bremer, MD, PhD: Director, Office of Nutrition Research at National Institutes of Health
• Angela Odoms-Young, PhD: Associate Professor and Director, Cornell University
• Anupama Joshi, MS: Vice President of Programs, Center for Science in the Public Interest
• Tia M. Rains, PhD: Global Co-Chair, International Life Sciences Institute
• Mary Ellen Camire, PhD: Professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Maine School of Food & Agriculture

“Scientific rigor is more than a label; it’s a commitment to transparent methods, accountable interpretation, and consensus built in the open. When we’re clear about how evidence is generated and evaluated, we strengthen policy and rebuild public confidence in science,” said Niemira. “In this keynote, we’ll look at how stakeholders can align on credible standards so policies are grounded in evidence, and people can see why the conclusions deserve their confidence.”

Niemira recently shared why trust begins with scientific consensus in this exclusive Food Technology article.

“Science Communication in the Age of Misinformation: Restoring Confidence in Food Innovation,” taking place on Tuesday, July 14 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT, unites experts across media, academia, and industry to share strategies for engaging diverse audiences, countering myths, and promoting evidence-based dialogue. Moderated by Bill McDowell, Editor-in-Chief of Food Technology and Vice President of Content and Channel Strategy at IFT, the panel will help attendees learn how to leverage storytelling, digital platforms, and transparent messaging to champion the integrity of food science and technology worldwide.

Panelists will include:

• Laura Lindenfeld, PhD: Executive Director and Professor of Communication, Alda Center for Communicating Science, Stony Brook University
• Charlie Arnot: Chief Executive Officer, The Center for Food Integrity
• Roxi Smith: Food Science Content Creator, Hydroxide
• Laura Chalela Hoover, MPH, RDN: Executive Vice President, Food & Beverage, Edelman US

“Effective science communication should be a conversation that blends of empathy and rigor. It starts with acknowledging consumer concerns and identifying shared values, then clearly demonstrating how scientific consensus is developed and applied. That combination is what makes credible information more accessible, more likely to be heard, and more likely to be trusted,” said McDowell.

Related Sessions at IFT FIRST:

• What Evidence-Based Communication Strategies Can Food Scientists Use or Adopt to Counter Misinformation and Build Trust?
  • Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN: President & CEO, International Food Information Council (Host)
  • Alvin Lee: Director, Center for Processing Innovation, Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology (Host)
  • Veronica Jaramillo: Food Scientist and Science Communicator, The Food Truth Project
  • Prateek Sharma: Associate Professor, Utah State University
  • Lynn Warner: Head of NOAM Regulatory, Taste & Wellbeing, Givaudan
  • Denisse Colindres: Senior Manager of Nutrition Communication, Americas, BENEO, Inc.
• How Do Effective Food Safety Cultures Contribute to Consumer Trust?
  • Layal Karam: Associate Professor of Food Safety, Qatar University (Host)
  • Lilana Casal-Wardle: Senior Advisor Food Safety and Supply Chain Risk Management at TAG – The Acheson Group (Host)
  • Bertrand Emond: Ambassador & Culture Excellence Lead, Campden BRI
  • Lone Jespersen: Principal and Founder, Cultivate SA
  • Conrad Choiniere: Director, Office of Microbiological Food Safety, Food and Drug Administration
  • Robert Prevendar: Chief Food Safety & QA Officer, Yum! Brands

Related Content:

• Winning Back Trust in Food Science (SciDish, an Omnivore Podcast)
• Fighting Food Misinformation (Food Technology)
• Myth Busting Misinformation: How to Counter Science Denial (SciDish, an Omnivore Podcast)
• How Food Companies Can Win Back Trust (Food Technology)

To learn more or to register for IFT FIRST, go to www.ift.org/ift-first-event/.

IFT members receive a significant discount to IFT FIRST and gain exclusive access to an extensive library of content and resources, as well as a series of virtual and in-person networking opportunities. Learn more about joining this growing community at www.ift.org/membership.

About IFT FIRST

IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo is one of the most influential food technology events in the world as it unites instrumental leaders across the global food system to help shape the future of food. Each year, IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) convenes prominent food, health, and nutrition professionals across industry, academia, and government to collaborate, innovate, and educate. IFT FIRST features a dynamic expo hall that connects many of the top global food and wellness companies with buyers and those with purchasing influence, while also offering cutting-edge scientific programming that explores the hottest topics across the science of food. IFT FIRST also offers valuable networking opportunities, unique food competitions, and engaging interactive experiences to connect, enrich, and empower attendees in their missions to transform the global food system. For more information, go to www.ift.org/ift-first-event/.

About Institute of Food Technologists

Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit ift.org.