Food Facts

Store Your Leftovers Safely

Got Holiday Leftovers? Tips for Safely Savoring Foods a Second Time Around Video Button

When it comes to holiday leftovers, many of us secretly relish that slice of cold turkey or ham the next morning, and savor how reheating just enriches the flavor of those candied yams. Before you take that first bite, it’s important to remember that proper care can help ensure the leftovers you love stay safe, edible and bacteria-free.

Locally Grown Fruits & Vegetables

Smart Tips for Shopping at Farmer's Markets Video Button

Being a “locavore” and eating foods grown near where you live have become a popular practice, as many people want to support their local farmers. Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you buy produce at your local farmer’s market.

Food Safety in the Produce Aisle

Food Safety in the Produce Aisle Video Button

In light of the recent Listeria outbreak in cantaloupe, it is more important than ever to choose your fresh fruits and vegetables carefully. It is important to select produce that has been stored properly and safely from the grocery store or market. To keep yourself and your family safe, what exactly should you look for next time you hit the produce aisle?

Allergens

What is the Difference Between a Food Allergy, Food Intolerance and Food Sensitivity? Video Button

While most people define any negative reaction to food as a food allergy, many actually suffer from a food sensitivity or intolerance. This video from IFT features Aurora Saulo, professor and extension specialist in food technology at University of Hawaii Manoa, discussing food allergies, food intolerances and food sensitivities.

Antioxidants

What are Antioxidants? Video Button

Antioxidants—what are they and why do you need them? IFT Member Claudia Fajardo-Lira, PhD, Professor of Food Science and Nutrition at California State University-Northridge, explains the facts about antioxidants in this video.

Shelf Life

Food Storage and Shelf Life Video Button

Ever wonder what all those numbers mean on canned, boxed or packaged food products? This video from IFT features Richard Ross, CEO of Ross Consulting LLC, discussing shelf-life of food, proper storage, expiration dates, lot codes and what it all means for you and your family.

Irradiated Food

Why are Foods Irradiated? Video Button

Christine Bruhn, PhD, director of the Center for Consumer Research at University of California-Davis, and a professor in the UC-Davis Department of Food Science and Safety, explains why foods are irradiated in this video from IFT.

 

Ten Tips for Enjoying and Preparing a Safer Packed Lunch

As Americans settle into their new fall routines with sending kids back to school and returning to work after relaxing vacations, they are packing more lunches for both school and work in an effort to save money. In this economy, packing your lunch or your child's can save your family money, and ensure a safe and healthy meal.


probiotic


Probiotics primer: The scoop on 'good bacteria' Video Button

If most of what you know about probiotics comes from yogurt advertisements, you may - understandably - be skeptical about the bacteria's health benefits. After all, the information came from a source that wants you to buy a probiotic product. Numerous independent researchers and health organizations, however, also back the value of probiotics.

Live Lobster

Selecting Safe Seafood: Q & A Video Button

The FDA recently announced that seafood from the Gulf is safe to eat. Whether it's from the Gulf or elsewhere, there are several ways you can ensure the seafood you're buying is fresh and safe. IFT food science expert, Kantha Shelke, PhD, offers tips on how to select and store seafood safely.

Cooking Oil

Fat or fiction? The skinny on the truth about fats Video Button

Fat is the enemy – that's the philosophy of many Americans who are trying to lose excess weight. While plenty of proven health risks can be tied to carrying extra pounds, not all fat is bad, experts say. In fact dietary fat is considered an essential nutrient, and some "good" types of fat actually deliver a myriad of health benefits – including aiding in weight control.

Umami

Unleashing the Power of Umami

Did you know there's a fifth taste? It's called umami and it's often described as a meaty, savory, full-flavor taste found in such foods as Parmesan cheese, mushrooms, red wine and seafood. Originally discovered by Japanese researchers almost a century ago, science is now catching up . Not only can umami enhance the taste experience, it can also play a role in reducing dietary sodium and dietary fat as well as make us feel fuller.

Food Facts Understanding Food Safety

How to Keep Summer Foods Fresh and Safe

Summer is the season to be outdoors with friends and family at picnics, barbecues and many other events. But the warm weather also brings an increase in foodborne illnesses when food sits out in hot, humid conditions. Make sure your summer party is memorable for reasons other than food poisoning by taking steps to keep food fresh and safe.

Food Science
 

About Food Science and Technology

To help consumers make informed decisions about the food they eat, IFT has developed IFT Food Facts to provide consumers with news they can use in their daily lives.

What is IFT
 

What is IFT?

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) exists to advance the science of food. Our long-range vision is to ensure a safe and abundant food supply contributing to healthier people everywhere.

Holiday Dinner
 

Holiday Food Safety Tips

The holiday season will be here before we know it, which means preparing for yummy feasting, the gathering of friends and family and shopping for all the food. Turkeys, hams, homemade salads and fruity desserts are all waiting to be whipped up and consumed.

Heart Chololate

Don't Let Fat Bloom Ruin Your Sweetheart's Valentine's Day

Giving chocolate to your sweetheart on Valentine's Day is a time-honored tradition. However, what you don't want is to give chocolate that has a chalky white film on the surface, known as "fat bloom." Not only does this make chocolate less visually appealing, it affects the texture and taste for your sweetheart.