Institute of Food Technologists Responds to HHS Food Policy Celebration and New Food Policy Reforms

CHICAGO – August 11, 2026 – The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific association committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, welcomed the HHS focus on transparency and stronger nutrition policy. The announcement of proposed mandatory GRAS notifications and the submission of a proposed federal definition for ultra-processed foods mark important steps toward improving consumer confidence and establishing a clearer foundation for research, policy, and public understanding. 

IFT has long advocated for greater transparency across the food system and recognizes the value of providing FDA, consumers, policymakers, and the scientific community with greater visibility into substances entering the food supply. At the same time, any changes to the GRAS process should be implemented in a way that protects public health while preserving FDA capacity, supporting innovation, and avoiding unnecessary delays in bringing safe, beneficial ingredients and products to market. 

IFT also supports the development of a clear, science-based, and standardized definition for ultra-processed foods. Because existing definitions vary widely and often mistakenly conflate processing, formulation, nutritional quality, ingredient function, affordability, accessibility, and consumer perception, a federal framework must be grounded in robust scientific evidence and be meaningful to consumers. Such a framework will be essential to advancing nutrition research, informing policy, and helping improve health outcomes without oversimplifying the complexity of the food supply. 

“Yesterday’s announcement reflects the importance of transparency and science in building a food system that consumers can trust,” said Brendan Niemira, PhD, Chief Science and Technology Officer at IFT. “As federal agencies move forward, IFT and its members stand ready to share the expertise of the food science community to help ensure that policy decisions are evidence-based, practical, and effective in supporting a safe, nutritious, sustainable, and accessible food supply.” 

IFT looks forward to engaging with HHS, FDA, and USDA through the public comment process and sharing resources that can help support clear, consistent, and science-driven implementation of these food policy reforms. 

To learn more about IFT, go to ift.org.

About Institute of Food Technologists

Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit ift.org.