IAFNS at Food Policy Impact

Highly Processed Foods: Landscape and Implications

April 22,10:00-11:00 am ET

This panel will examine the evolving landscape of ultra‑processed foods (UPFs) through three complementary lenses. The first segment will highlight current scientific research on UPFs, including emerging evidence on health impacts and classification challenges. The discussion will then shift to consumer insights, exploring public perceptions, purchasing behaviors, and communication gaps surrounding UPFs. The session will conclude with an overview of new non‑UPF certification efforts from leading organizations, outlining how these standards aim to guide industry reformulation and support clearer choices for consumers. Together, the panel will provide a comprehensive view of the science, sentiment, and solutions shaping the future of UPF policy and practice.

Speakers:

Alyssa Pike, RDN, IFIC

Nicholas Jury, PhD, NIH ONR

Marie Latulippe, MS, MBA, RDN, IAFNS

Kelly Burgess, MBA, RD, LD, Non-UPF Certified

Moderator: Lauren O Connor, PhD, MPH, Texas A&M Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Evidence Center

Harnessing Technology to Advance Food Innovation and Safety

April 22, 3:00-4:00 pm ET.

Modern technology is actively reshaping how we ensure the safety of our supply chains, manufacture foods, and communicate nutrition information to stakeholders and consumers. This session begins with an overview of data-driven approaches to advance food safety and then transitions into a deeper look at advanced AI-driven platforms shaping food product development and consumer understanding. Discussion will include the Partnerships for Food Traceability's role in leading a pilot program to help industry implement the food traceability rule. The IAFNS-supported Food Additive Lens app will be presented as part of this program.

Speakers:

Eric Marshall, JD, Partnership for Food Traceability

Jay Gilbert, PhD, IFT

Yi Wang, PhD, University of Maryland