Get New Insights Into Processed Foods and Food Science
Communicating the contributions of processed foods and addressing public perceptions
Session 205
Tuesday, July 20, 8:30–10 a.m.
Room: S404abc
Track: Food Processing & Packaging
This session will provide new insights into the ways in which consumers view the food supply and offer a well articulated analysis—based on a recently completed IFT white paper— of the vital role of food science and technology in feeding the world’s growing population. Those who attend this session will learn how the foundational messages of the IFT white paper, “Feeding the World Today and Tomorrow: The Importance of Food Science and Technology,” can be applied to consumer outreach and education initiatives.
After introductory remarks, the session will get under way with a synopsis of the white paper presented by IFT Past President John Floros of Pennsylvania State University. IFT’s comprehensive white paper describes the scientific and technological achievements that have enabled the modern farm-to-fork food system to feed nearly seven billion people and provides insights into the critical needs for further advances in science and technology and the potential benefits of new and emerging technologies.
Next on the agenda, Tom Nagle of Statler Nagle LLC, a Washington, D.C.-based consulting and strategy firm, will address the topic, “Insight Into Consumer Perceptions of the Food Supply and Processed Foods.” In addition to presenting the results of consumer research, he will deliver an intriguing analysis of the reasons why members of the media, consumers, and health professionals seem to so easily accept assertions that have little factual or scientific support.
Nagle will be followed by Victor L. Fulgoni of Nutrition Impact LLC, Battle Creek, Mich., who will deliver a talk titled “Contributions of Processed Foods to Nutrient Intake: An Analysis of NHANES 2003–2006.” At Nutrition Impact, Fulgoni works to help food and beverage companies develop and communicate science-based claims about their products and services.
Finally, David Schmidt of the International Food Information Council, Washington, D.C., will offer “Tips for Effectively Communicating With the Public to Address Perceptions.”
The session, which will conclude with time for questions and answers, will be moderated by Floros and Will Fisher of IFT.
