IFT DC Section to Host Food Policy Event Featuring FDA, USDA Leaders

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The DC Section of Institute of Food Technologists (DC-IFT) is hosting “Food Policy Impact 2025,” a two-day event that will dive into the future of food policies and their impact on food, nutrition and health. Designed for policy makers, industry professionals and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the impact modern food policies are having on the world of food and nutrition, the event is being held April 29-30, at Arent Fox LLP, Washington, D.C.

Representatives from across the federal government, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will provide updates on policy priorities, including the implications of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. Panel sessions will highlight hot topics in the sector, from ultra-processed foods to state and federal actions on food additives.

“More than ever before, food and nutrition policy is in the national spotlight, with a constantly evolving landscape raising big questions about what’s ahead,” said Allie Graham, president of DC-IFT and vice president of food and nutrition policy at Food Directions. “Food Policy Impact 2025 offers a timely opportunity to hear from leading experts, explore key challenges and opportunities and better understand how policy shapes what’s on our plates. With so much happening in the field, it’s more important than ever to come together, share ideas and connect. Food Policy Impact offers the perfect opportunity to do just that.”

Day one will include the keynote “Communicating Science Amongst Controversy and Misinformation” from Laura Lindenfeld, dean of the School of Communication and Journalism at Stony Brook University, followed by updates on government activities from federal regulators. The day will conclude with an update on 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as well as a Congressional update on MAHA Caucus and Farm Bill activities.

On day two, D.C. food policy insider Helena Bottemiller Evich from Food Fix will host a session, “Future Directions in Food.” The day will involve multiple panel discussions on a range of topics, including:

• Alcohol, drugs and ultra-processed foods: Understanding the drivers of desire, intake and “addiction”
• State Activity vs. Federal Under the Trump Admin – Food colors, sweeteners and additives: What’s next?
• Tariffs, Trade, Immigration – Impacts on Food and Agriculture
• Understanding SNAP Restrictions

General admission tickets are $225 and $75 for IFT student members. Space is limited. To register, click here.