WASHINGTON—The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) will host its Food Policy Impact Conference to bring together professionals in food laws, regulations and policy to learn approaches that will make a tangible impact on the future on Dec. 1 at the Sheraton Crystal City in Arlington, Va.
The conference will feature two separate tracks focusing on food safety and food labeling and marketing. Attendees can attend sessions within one track to focus on their experience, or move between tracks to gain a broader perspective on the issues.
“From a global perspective, establishing food regulations and standards is critical to ensuring the safety and quality of our food supply," said IFT President Roger Clemens. “This conference addresses crucial governmental efforts through regulatory interpretation, analysis of emerging issues, and realistic assessments of the impact of policy on the food industry."
The opening session will feature Michael R. Taylor, J.D., deputy commissioner for foods FDA, and Jenny Scott, senior advisor to the director of the office of food safety at FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, who will provide key updates on the Food Safety Modernization Act.
The conference will feature a variety of speakers including Scott Davis, chief concept officer for Panera Bread; Craig Wilson, vice president, general merchandising manager of Costco Wholesale Quality Assurance and Food Safety; Richard Cleland, Esq., assistant director, division of advertising practices, FTC; David Acheson, M.D., managing director, food & import safety, Leavitt Partners; and Barbara Schneerman, Ph.D., director, office of nutrition, labeling and dietary supplements, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA.
The conference will close with a discussion between Michael Jacobson, executive director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and Peter Barton Hutt, senior counsel, Covington & Burling LLP, who will discuss the pros and cons of the current health, wellness and safety policies and regulation.
