Agenda

This session will explore the use of GLP-1 medications to treat obesity and what is known about their impact on dietary preferences, behavioral and nutrition considerations, and health and disease. Speakers will also address the economic and regulatory impact of these medications and food industry opportunities.

• GLP-1 Clinical Treatment of Obesity – Impact on Obesity, Obesity-Related Complications, and Dietary Preferences -- Ariana Chao, The Johns Hopkins University
• Behavioral and Nutritional Considerations in GLP-1 Weight Management -- Michelle Cardel, Weight Watchers
• The Economic Impact of GLP-1 Obesity Treatments -- Brandon McFadden, University of Arkansas

This session will start with a technical overview of the physical and chemical characteristics of diet-sourced micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) that impact their uptake into humans. This will be followed by a presentation on the federal and state regulatory landscape, potential impact on the food industry, and consumer class actions involving microplastics in food contact materials.

• MNPs in the Human Diet: Exposure from Food Contact Materials -- Christie Sayes, Baylor University
• MNPs in Food and Water: Regulations, Litigation and Impact on the Food and Beverage Industries -- Tony Hopp, Steptoe LLP

Over the past year, discussions related to classification of foods have continued, just as new research has been initiated or completed. Federal-level interest was also reinvigorated. In this session, discussions and conclusions of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee will be reviewed, and new research will be presented. Panelists will discuss whether and how the conversation has evolved and consider the future of science and policy in this area.

• The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee: Considering Ultra-Processed Foods in Dietary Patterns (Working Title) -- Chris Taylor, Ohio State University
• Processed vs. Unprocessed Meat: Impacts on Biomarkers of Health (Working Title) -- David Baer, USDA ARS (Invited)
• Food Science Perspectives on Classification by Processing and Formulation for Health (Working Title) -- Carmen Moraru, Cornell University

Food additives are in the spotlight, and while health concerns often take center stage, this session will highlight their role in food safety and quality. Experts will unpack the evolving regulatory landscape and shed light on why they are more than just ingredients -- they help keep our food safe and stable. We’ll also explore the unintended consequences of changing or removing additives, from supply chain to economic impacts.

• Regulatory Landscape − An Overview of Proposed and Emerging Legislation Addressing Food Additives -- Patricia Williamson, Cargill 
• Food Safety Perspective − The Role of Food Additives and Ingredients in Foods -- Kristin Schill, University of Wisconsin
• Broader Impacts − The Unintended Consequences of Changes to Additives -- Maria Kalaitzandonakes, University of Illinois

With increased attention on foodborne outbreaks and recalls, communication during these events can be particularly challenging given the potential for public mistrust in the food supply. This session will feature food safety experts who can address how recalls and the detection of outbreaks play a role in food safety. It will also address how to best communicate about recalls and outbreaks in ways that enhance public trust in the face of uncertainty with the food supply.

• Jennifer McEntire – Food Safety Strategy

Panel
• Anneke Baran Altieri – Hogan Lovells
• USDA – Invited

This talk explores how data-driven tools can reduce uncertainty in food safety decision-making. Through real-world scenarios in food manufacturing, it highlights how challenge studies and mathematical models support smarter, safer, and more efficient food systems.

Presented by Byron Chaves of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, recipient of the IAFNS 2025 Emerging Leader Award in Food Safety.

This presentation will focus on innovative implementation strategies and scientific rigor to mobilize and advance our knowledge of dietary patterns to prevent and manage diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Laura Chiavaroli of the University of Toronto, recipient of the IAFNS Emerging Leader Award in Nutrition Sciences, will present her research.