By: William Fisher, Vice President, Science & Policy Initiatives, Institute of Food Technologists Date: 7/16/10

Don't miss a critically important and timely session at the IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo, "Communicating the Contributions of Processed Foods and Addressing Public Perceptions".  The session will be held on Tuesday July 20th from 8:30-10:00 am in room S404abc at Chicago's McCormick Place. 

Our food system today has evolved over centuries into a global system of immense size and complexity.  The commitment of food science and technology professionals to advancing the science of food, ensuring a safe and abundant food supply is integral to that evolution, and will indeed impact feeding the future. 

Today we are faced with misperceptions and misinformation about processed foods that all of us in the food industry, especially food scientists, must address.  We have a great story to tell!  Technological advancements have made it possible to feed billions of people today and new technological advancements will enable us to feed billions more in the future.  Come hear the great story we have to tell. 

The session will present consumer insights on food safety and nutrition as they relate to food production and processing issues, provide a knowledge and information base on the evolution of the role of food technology from the new IFT white paper titled "Feeding the World Today and Tomorrow: The Importance of Food Science and Technology ", and will offer tips for effective communications for improving understanding of the role of food technology in our food supply.

You will walk away better prepared to engage in public discussions and educational efforts about science and technology as it relates to the food supply.