Indra Mehrotra, MS, RD, LD

Indra Mehrotra is Director of Science and Communications for the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition at General Mills. In this capacity, she leads nutrition science research strategy and programs for various General Mills businesses and is responsible for the health and nutrition communications for consumers and health professionals. Prior to joining the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, she led the Nutrition Services group at the Pillsbury Company.

To date, she has had 20+ years of experience in the food industry as a nutrition professional identifying and implementing health and nutrition opportunities. She is particularly interested in translating and integrating nutrition and food science research to advance health and provide strategic guidance on common issues of interests.

Among the various professional activities, Indra has chaired IFT's joint task force with ASN (American Society of Nutrition) and IFIC (International Food Information Council) on Food and Nutrition Science Solutions for several years and is currently finishing her term as the past-chair. In addition, she serves on various committees of American Society for Nutrition and International Food Information Council. She also serves as a nutrition lead for the Partners in Food Solutions, a nonprofit organization founded by General Mills that brings together the business and technical expertise of global food companies to improve the capacity and expertise of local food processors in Africa.

Indra is a professional member of IFT, American Dietetic Association, American Society for Nutrition, and Society for Nutrition Education. She is a Registered and a Licensed Dietitian with a MS in Nutrition & Food science.

What do you feel you can contribute to the growth and advancement of IFT?
I have been an engaged and active volunteer with IFT since 2000. I am passionate about IFT's mission and was a member of the task force that helped craft the ambitious strategic plan that is being implemented now. I well understand the issues and challenges IFT is facing and the need for strong leadership. Having served on many committees of various professional organizations, trade associations, and my work as a volunteer for nonprofit organizations, I understand the need for visionary leadership, strategic guidance and relevant governance needed to lead an organization like IFT. As a member of the nominating committee, I can help choose future leaders who will bring IFT's mission to life and position the organization to be the global leader in advancing the science of food.

Formal Education
Northern Illinois University: MS, Nutrition and Dietetics
Ghent University, Belgium: Post Graduate Diploma in Food Technology & Food Processing,
M S University, India: MS, Food Science and Nutrition
Delhi University, India: BS, Home Economics and Education

Career History

Organization	Position(s) Held	Dates of Employment
General Mills, Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition	Director	2006-Present
General Mills, Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition	Senior Manager	2001-2006
The Pillsbury Company	Manager of Nutrition	1998-2001
The Pillsbury Company	Senior Program Leader Nutrition & Labeling	1996-1998
The Pillsbury Company	Senior Nutrition Scientist	1989-1991
The Pillsbury Company	Associate Nutrition Scientist	1987-1989
University of Minnesota	Nutritionist	1984-1987
Fairview Southdale Hospital & St. Cloud Hospital	Dietitian	1981-1984
Northern Illinois University	Instructor & Research Associate	1978-1980

Leadership Experience

Organization	Position	Dates Held
Institute of Food Technologists	Member-at-Large, Nutrition Division	2000-2003
Institute of Food Technologists	Membership Committee, Nutrition Division	2001-2002
Institute of Food Technologists	Technical Representative Committee	2002-2003
Institute of Food Technologists	Chair-Elect, Nutrition Division	2003-2004
Institute of Food Technologists	Chair, Nutrition Division	2004-2005
Institute of Food Technologists	Past Chair, Nutrition Division	2005-2006
Institute of Food Technologists	Strategic Planning Task Force	2005-2007
Institute of Food Technologists	Division Task Force	2008-2010
Institute of Food Technologists	Partnership Task force on Food and Nutrition Science Solutions	2006-Present
American Society of Nutrition	Marketing Committee	2007-Present
American Society of Nutrition	Sustaining Industry Member Committee	2007-Present
American Society of Nutrition	Research Interest Section - Translational research from bench top to consumer	2007-Present
International Food Information Council	Healthy Weight and Active Lifestyle Committee	2007-Present
International Food Information Council	Functional Foods Committee	2005-Present
International Food Information Council	International Committee	2006-Present
International Food Information Council	Fat Committee	1998-2001 and 2003-2005
International Food Information Council	Carbohydrates and Sugar Committee	1998-2001
American Frozen Foods Institute	Chairperson, Nutrition Advisory Council	1995-1998
American Frozen Foods Institute	Nutrition Database Committee	1993-1995
Grocery Manufacturers of America	Nutrition and Labeling Working Group	1998-2001
Grocery Manufacturers of America	Food & Health Task Force	2000-2001
International Life Sciences Institute	Nutrition and Aging Committee	1990-2000
International Life Sciences Institute	Food Nutrition and Safety Committee	1998-2001
International Life Sciences Institute	Food Components for Health Promotion Committee	1998-2001
International Life Sciences Institute	International Sugars Committee	1998-2001
International Life Sciences Institute	Program Planning Committee	1998-2001
International Life Sciences Institute	Refined Sugars Task Force	2000-2001

Professional and Community Recognition

Recipient, IFT Nutrition Division Outstanding Member Award (2008)