IFT NEWS
IFT accepting symposia proposals for 2002 Annual Meeting—Due September 1, 2001
The IFT Divisions and the Technical Presentations Subcommittee accepted 55 symposia for the 2001 Annual Meeting. The symposia were well attended and are a cornerstone of the technical program.
Although IFT’s Technical Divisions organize most symposia, anyone can submit a symposium proposal. The symposia represent important collections of current knowledge on given subjects. IFT’s criteria includes: the identified topic should address a uniform theme on which all speakers focus; the topic should be timely and relevant to a large number of IFT members; and proposed speakers should be among the best qualified to present up-to-date information on the topics.
Electronic Submission
IFT accepts 2002 symposia proposals via the Internet. You can electronically submit your entire proposed program and receive an instant receipt by going to www.ift.org and clicking on the Annual Meeting section. This saves time and eliminates the diskette and multiple paper copies required under the traditional submission procedure, which is still available. For information about either method, or for information on the process and deadlines involved, request a copy of the “2002 Guidelines for Symposia Organizers,” which is available on the IFT e-XPRESS faxback service at 800-234-0270 (within the U.S. or Canada) or 650-556-9176 (outside the U.S. or Canada). Ask for Document 2210. The faxback document includes the names of the Division Chairs to whom symposia proposals should be addressed.
The deadline is September 1, 2001. Division organizers of preliminary symposia proposals must submit their proposals to the appropriate Division Chair. The Division review includes acceptance or rejection, suggestions for modification, and ranking for final submission to the Technical Presentations Subcommittee (TPS) Chair by September 1, 2001. Planned cosponsorship with other Divisions must be coordinated prior to the deadline.
Symposia organizers not seeking Division sponsorship must submit their proposals directly to TPS Chair Zata Vickers by September 1, 2001. The role of the TPS is to coordinate the review of proposals to avoid duplication of symposia topics among the Divisions. The TPS Chair will notify the organizers of symposia proposals of acceptance, rejection, or suggested combination with another symposium by October 1, 2001.
The same point system for Divisions will be used again this year. Each Division is allotted a total of two points for symposia sponsorship, with an individual symposium counting as one point. Symposia cosponsored with another Division count as one-half point. Cosponsorship with an outside organization, however, is counted as one full point. Divisions are not required to use their full two-point allotment, and the TPS will consider and review symposia in excess of the two-point limit.
Contact Zata M. Vickers with questions at the Dept. of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Minnesota, 1334 Eckles Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55108, or call 612-624-2257, fax 612-625-5272, or email [email protected].
Plan ahead for the 2002 annual meeting—Abstract “help desk” available again
Want to improve your chances of acceptance for the 2002 Annual Meeting? Help is available.
A group of volunteers composed of experienced past authors from each of the IFT technical Divisions will provide that extra proof-reading help that can make a difference. The Help program was established by the Technical Presentations Subcommittee (TPS) and approved by the Annual Meeting Committee. It is coordinated by Christine Bruhn of the University of California-Davis (phone 530-752-2774), a Past Chair of the TPS.
Here’s how it works. First, obtain a set of Guidelines for Preparation of Volunteer Abstracts from IFT’s Web Page, IFT’s e-XPRESS fax-on-demand service, or by calling the IFT office. Next, prepare your abstract to the best of your ability according to the instructions. Then, submit your abstract through the IFT Web site prior to November 1, 2001, and request an advanced review of your abstract by the Help Desk. The abstract will be evaluated for appropriate use of English, communication effectiveness, and completion of required information. The Help Advisor will not provide a scientific technical review. Contacting the Help Desk does not guarantee acceptance of an abstract. Contacting the Help Desk does provide comments to the author by November 15, 2001, allowing the author to revise the abstract as desired and resubmit to IFT prior to the December 1, 2001, final deadline.
A note to those who would volunteer to serve on the Help Desk: the Division Chair should send Christine Bruhn (email cmbruhn@ucdavis.edu) the name of one volunteer to serve as Help Advisor for that Division by October 1, 2001. Volunteers should not be serving as an appointed Divison TPS Review Representative for the current 2002 Annual Meeting, but should have been a TPS reviewer in the past. The Help Advisor will be provided with model abstracts and criteria for acceptance.
Please join in this effort as a Help Desk Advisor or as a “user” who isn’t afraid to ask for help.
Harte receives Riester-Davis Award
Bruce R. Harte, Director of the Michigan State University School of Packaging has been named the winner of the IFT Food Packaging Division’s Riester-Davis Award for 2001.
The Riester-Davis Award recognizes lifetime achievement in food packaging technology. It was established in 1986 to memorialize Don Riester of American Can Co. and the Food and Drug Administration and Rees Davis of Continental Can and the FDA, who helped found the IFT Food Packaging Division.
Harte has been instrumental in the development of School of Packaging during his tenure as Director. Of particular note was the expansion of academic programs to include Ph.D. and non-thesis masters degrees in packaging. In addition to undergraduate and graduate teaching and research, the School has also reached beyond the university campus, offering overseas study programs and training seminars in other countries.
Harte also has an active research program with a focus on interdisciplinary work with faculty in Food Science and Packaging. He has promoted food packaging technology through direct technology transfer, as well as numerous presentations at professional and technical association meetings.
A graduate of Michigan State University, Harte continued his studies there earning M.S. and Ph.D degrees in Food Science and Human Nutrition. He joined the faculty of the School of Packaging in 1979, becoming a full professor in 1990, and Director of the school in 1993.
The award was presented during the Food Packaging Division business meeting at the 2001 IFT Annual Meeting & IFT Food Expo in New Orleans, La.
IFT Journalism Award winners announced
Two journalists were recognized for excellence in food science reporting during 2000 at the IFT Annual Meeting Opening Event in New Orleans, La., in June. They were winners in the annual science journalism competition sponsored by IFT’s Dept. of Science, Communications, and Government Relations.
Each year, IFT invites professional journalists to submit entries for consideration in the award program, designed to honor excellence in newspaper, consumer magazine, and television reporting that provides the scientific perspective on compelling or controversial food issues, regardless of circulation or audience size. An independent panel of food scientists, science communications specialists, and news media professionals select the award winners through an anonymous review and ranking system.
This year, no television entries met the award criteria of providing scientific perspective on compelling or controversial food issues. In the newspaper and consumer magazine categories, many entries received high acclaim from the judging panel.
Peter Perl, an award-winning staff writer for The Washington Post Magazine, won in the newspaper category for his story, “Outbreak—Poisoned Package,” published in the January 16, 2000, edition. The story detailed lethal cases of foodborne illness, from the time a processing plant failed USDA inspection until the government issued a national health alert urging cautionary consumption.
Janet Ginsburg, a special correspondent for Business Week magazine, primarily covering science and technology, won in the consumer magazine category for her story, “Bio Invasion,” published in the September 11, 2000, issue. Her story, written with contributions by Ellen Licking, described how efficient global transit can affect the spread of insect-, plant-, and animal-borne disease.
Each winner received $1,000, a plaque, and travel expenses to accept the award. For a copy of the winning stories contact Jim Klapthor at 312-782-8424 or e-mail [email protected].
U.S. wins first International Challenge Cup Competition
For the first time, an International U.S.–Canadian Challenge Cup competition was held at the IFT conference in New Orleans, La., on June 25, 2001, with the U.S. team coming out the winner.
The competition was between the winning team from Canada’s Challenge Cup competition, held in Toronto earlier in June, and a U.S.-based team. U.S. team members included Meredith Agle, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Kylee Allen, Iowa State University; Valerie Carter, California Polytechnic University; and Ramona Gould, Louisiana State University. The Canadian team consisted of Ranjani Dhanawansa, Daniel Erasmus, David Popovich, and Lynette Walsh, all from the University of British Columbia and winners of the coveted Marvin Tung Memorial Trophy at the Canadian Challenge Cup competition.
This concept of the International/Global and Canadian Challenge Cup competitions was conceived and initiated in the summer of 1999 by Susan Abraham, a doctoral student at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. The event, which held excitement and fun for participants and audience members, consisted of three rounds: a Group Round, where team members decided on an answer together; a Lightning Round, with teams competing to hit the buzzer at lightning speed to answer questions; and a Final Jeopardy question that allowed teams to wager their points.
The moderator was Mary Schmidl (President, IFT). Judges were Sandra Eagle (Editor, Food In Canada), Brian Raines (Past President, CIFST), Romeo Toledo (University of Georgia), Charlotte Brennand (Utah State University), and Kirk Dolan (Michigan State University). The time keeper was Michelle Koehler (Texas A&M) and score-keeper was Rodney Green (Purdue University).
The U.S. team took home the International Challenge Cup trophy donated by Silliker Laboratories, Canada, which also sponsored the Canadian team’s trip to New Orleans.
Plans are underway for future International matches. If you would like to participate or learn more about the International Challenge, contact Susan Abraham at 519-572-9284 or e-mail [email protected].
Bates and Camire elected IFT Membership Representatives
Robert P. Bates and Mary Ellen Camire were elected Membership Representatives to IFT’s Executive Committee for the period September 1, 2001, to August 31, 2004.
Bates, a Professor in the Food Science & Human Nutrition Dept. of the University of Florida, earned a B.S. degree in Food Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) in 1959. He earned a M.S. degree in Food Science from the University of Hawaii in 1963, and in 1966, he received a Ph.D. in Food Science from M.I.T.
A member of IFT since 1955, when he joined as a student, Bates has been very active in service to the Institute. On the national level, he served on the International Relations Committee for two terms, Continuing Education Committee from 1993 to 1996, and Scientific Lectureship Committee from 1997 to 2000. He also served as Chairman of the International Division from 1992 to 1994 and Chairman of the Student Exchange Committee from 1993 to 1996, as well as Associate Editor of the International Division Newsletter. He is also a Fellow of the Institute.
Bates has also been active in the Florida Section, serving as Councilor (1978-80, 1996-99), Program Chair (1994-95), Chair (1995-96), and General Arrangements Committee Chair, Technical Tours, Annual Meeting, Orlando (1997). He is also a recipient of the Section’s Bob Olson Award (2000).
Camire, a Professor in the University of Maine’s Dept. of Food Science & Human Nutrition, received a degree in Biology from Harvard-Radcliffe College in 1979. She went on to earn an M.S. degree in Nutrition from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1982 and a Ph.D. in Food Science from Texas Woman’s University in 1989.
On the national level, Camire has been very active in IFT, serving as a Food Science Communicator (1994-present), Phi Tau Sigma Liaison (2000-01), Awards Committee member (2000-01), Carl Fellers Awards Jury member (Chair 2000-01), Research Committee member (1996-00, Chair 1999-00), Science communications Committee member (1999-00), Scientific Status Summary Co-Author: Dietary Supplements: Nutritional and Legal Considerations (1999), and Volunteer Technical Papers Sub-Committee member (1993-94). She also testified on IFT’s behalf in federal hearings regarding dietary supplements and served as IFT’s representative on the Food and Nurtition Society Alliance Statements: What Does the Public Need to Know about Dietary Supplements? (June 1997) and Weight Loss Supplements (Fall 2000).
She has also been active in the Northeast Section, Food Chemistry Division (Executive Committee 1995-96, Councilor 1996-99), Fruit & Vegetable Division (Executive Committee 1994-97), Nurtition Division (Chair 1999-00, Executive Committee 1996-99), Public Information Committee (1992-93), and was a Student Representative (1988-89).
Kragt and Schmidt named IFT Councilor Representatives
Linda L. Kragt and Ronald H. Schmidt were named Councilor Representatives to IFT’s Executive Committee for the period of September 1, 2001, to August 31, 2004.
Kragt earned a B.S. degree in Foods from Michigan State University. She has worked at Morton Salt since 1976, first as a Food Technologist, then as a Senior Food Technologist, and now as Technical Services Manager, a position she’s held since 1997.
An active member of IFT, Kragt has served on the Committee on Membership and Professional Affairs (1989-93, Chair 1991-92), Scientific Lectureship Committee (1993-96), Committee on Diversity (1992-96), Short-Range Planning Committee (1991-93), Qualifications Committee (1998-present), Task Force on Headquarters Location (1999-00), Awards Committee (1997-98), and Tellers Committee (1998-99). She has also been a speaker for the IFT Short Course, Healthy Foods (1999) and served as Midwest Caucus Breakfast Leader (1993).
Also an active member of her Regional Section, Kragt has served the Chicago Section as Councilor (1983-present) and Chair (1997-98), Midwest Food Process Conference Committee member (1986-90, Chair 1990), GAC Sessions Co-Chair (1989). She has also served on a number of other Section committees, including Awards, Nominations, Long- Range Planning Subcommittee, Tellers, Program, Plant Tour, Supplier’s Night Registration, GAC Tour Committee, Holiday Party Committee, and 60th Anniversary Committee. She received the Chicago Section IFT Chairman’s Service Award in 1991.
Schmidt is currently a Professor in the Food Science & Human Nutrition Dept. at the University of Florida. He earned a B.S. degree in Dairy Industry, an M.S. degree in Food Science & Industry and a Ph.D. in Food Science & Nutrition from the University of Minnesota. In the past, he served as a Regional Milk & Food Consultant with the Food & Drug Administration’s Public Health Service.
An active member of IFT, Schmidt has served as Undergraduate Research Paper Competition Chairman and Coordinator (1976), Food Science Communicator (1987-present), and Committee on Membership & Professional Affairs member (1988-93) and Chairperson (1992-93). He has also served as Committee on Sections & Divisions Liaison (1991-92), Member (1994-97), and Chair (1995-96) and as Coach of College Bowl Team (1998-present).
Schmidt has also been active in the Florida Section, serving as Campus Meeting Coordinator (1976, 1992), Secretary (1987-89), Chairperson-Elect (1991-92), Chairperson (1992-93), and Councilor (1994-97). He’s also served on the Section’s Executive Committee (1986-93), Education and Student Affairs Committee (1976-present, Chair 1978-82), Newsletter Committee (1986-present, Co-editor 1988-94), Program Committee (1991-93, Chair 1991-92), Suppliers Night Committee (1988-present, Co-Chair 1988-89, Chair 1991-92), Nominating Committee (Chair 1993-94), Membership Committee (1992-96, Chair 1993-94), and By-Laws Committee (1993-94). In the Dairy Foods Division, he’s served on the Education Committee (1988-90) and as an Executive Committee Member at Large (1985-88), and in the Food Law & Regulation Division as Alternate Councilor (1998-99) and Councilor (1998-present).
In addition to the many awards he’s received from numerous food industry associations and organizations, Schmidt has also earned the distinction of Fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists.
IFT REGIONAL SECTION & DIVISION NEWS
Food Microbiology Division
The Food Microbiology Division held a reception during the 2001 IFT Annual Meeting & IFT Food Expo in New Orleans, La.
The reception provided an informal session for all food microbiologists and friends to mingle and renew acquaintances, as well as make new friends from various parts of the food microbiology world, including government, industry, and academia. Daniel Fung of Kansas State University and Division Chair Mark Harrison of the University of Georgia served as toast-masters for the evening’s events, which include door prizes and a trivia game based on the Food Microbiology Division keynote speaker lecture given by Edmund Zottola of the University of Minnesota during the Food Microbiology symposium.
The annual event was started in the 1980s by Fung and Anna Lammerding of Health Canada, Guelph, Ontario. This year’s event commanded one of the biggest turn-outs. The Division would like to thank the sponsors who made the event possible: ABC Research Corporation, Cryovac Sealed Air Corporation, Rapid Microbiology Methods Workshop at Kansas State.
University, Dynal Biotech Inc., Elsevier Science Ltd., Gene Trak Systems, Hershey Foods, International Association for Food Protection, Kraft General Foods, University of Delaware Food Science Group, Oxoid Inc., National Food Processors Association, Tropicana Products Inc., Michael Davidson of the University of Tennessee, and Fung. Special thanks to the following individuals: Wafa Birbari, Janie Scott of ABC Research, Jeff Rhodehamel of Cryovac Sealed Air corporation, Fung, Marilyn Daly of Dynal Biotech, Lyndon Driscoll of Elsevier Science Ltd, Mark Mozola of Gene Trak Systems, Charles Duncan and Barb Walters of Hershey Foods, David Tharp and Bev Corron of the International Association for Food Protection, Jeff Hammonds and Paul Hall of Kraft General Foods, Jenny Scott of the National Food Processors Association, Jeff Crawford of Oxoid Inc, Kurt Deibel and Jay Schuman of Tropicana Foods, and Adrienne Shearer of the University of Delaware.
You are cordially invited to attend the next Food Microbiology Reception, which will be held aat the 2002 IFT conference in Anaheim, Calif. For information, contact Susan Abraham via e-mail at [email protected] or call 519-572-9284.
INSTITUTE OF FOOD TECHNOLOGISTS CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
For information on the following programs, contact IFT’s Professional Development Department, 221 N. LaSalle St.,
Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60601 • Phone 312-782-8424 • Fax 312-782-0045 • www.ift.org
FOOD LAWS & REGULATIONS
September 24-25, 2000-Canterbury Hotel, San Francisco, CA
This two-day introductory short course will offer an overview of all federal laws relating to food production, plant inspections, labeling, marketing, and import and exports. Nutritional labeling and dietary supplements will be reviewed. Course fees: $895 IFT Members and $945 Nonmembers. Cosponsored by the IFT Continuing Education Committee, IFT Food Laws & Regulations Div., FDA. and USDA. Program Director: James Vetter, Technical Assistance Services.
CONFECTIONERY TECHNOLOGY & PROCESSES
Oct. 2-4, 2001-Statler Hotel-Cornell U, Ithaca, NY
This program has been redesigned into a 2½ -day lecture/laboratory workshop. The program will cover all the important aspects of candy making, beginning with understanding the role of key ingredients and processes that have an impact on producing chocolates, cremes, caramels and jelly candies. Second day will be hands on experience with a demo on panning of hard and soft candies. Course fee: $895 IFT Members, $945 Nonmembers. Sponsored by the IFT Continuing Education Committee. Program Directors: Felix Germino, F. Germino & Associates, and Mel Warnecke, Warnecke Technical Inc.
FOOD QUALITY SYSTEMS
Oct. 2-4, 2001-Statler Hotel,Cornell U, Ithaca, NY
This three-day introductory course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the many quality process choices involved in implementing a quality management system. Course fee: $895 IFT Members, $945 Nonmembers. Cosponsored by the IFT Continuing Education Committee, IFT Quality Assurance Division, and Cornell University. Program Faculty: R. Gravani, Cornell University; J. McAnelly, retired, Nabisco; and J. Surak, Clemson University.
STATISTICS FOR THE FOOD PROFESSIONAL
October 4-5, 2001-Le Meridien New Orleans, LA
This is a two-day program for all technical personnel in the food industry and related fields. It is intended to provide a clear explanation of basic statistics tools and an appreciation of some of the more advanced statistical techniques in current use. The program is very practical with examples based on real applications in the food industry. Course fee: $895 IFT/AACC Members, $945 Nonmembers. Cosponsored by IFT Continuing Education Committee and American Association of Cereal Chemists. Program Director: Anand M. Joglekar, Joglekar Associated, Inc.
PACKAGING BASICS FOR THE FOOD INDUSTRY
October 16–19, 2001-Kellogg Center, Lansing, School of Packaging, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
This four-day short course is an overview of food packaging, focusing on applied technologies. Course fee: $1,445, deduct $100 if received by October 2(IFT Members)/ $1,495, deduct $100 if received by October 2 (Nonmembers). Cosponsored by the IFT Continuing Education Committee/Food Packaging Division, and Michigan State University School of Packaging. Course Director: Bruce Harte.
OVERVIEW OF FOOD LABELING
October 22-23, 2001-The Adams Mark Hotel, Charlotte, NC
This two-day course will offer the basics of FDA labeling regulations. Topics covered include principal display and information panels, proper naming of products, ingredients statements, declaration of weights or volume, nutrition labeling, health and nutrients content claims, and requirements for “healthy.” Course fees: $895. Cosponsored by the IFT Continuing Education Committee, FDA, and American Institute of Baking. Program Director: James Vetter, Technical Assistance Service.
NEW HIGH POTENCY SWEETENERS-ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
October 24, 2001-Marriott Hotel, Hunt Valley, MD
This one-day program will introduce the attendees with the principals of commercial sweeteners and their attributes, demonstrate the different taste qualities, give an understanding of the advantages of blending and synergy between sweeteners, consider safety aspects and toxicological issues and develop insight into the international market structure. Course fee: $450 IFT Members, $495 Nonmembers. Program Faculty: John Fry, Connect Consulting, UK. and Dr. Mike Lindley, Lintech, UK.
CHECK IFT’S WEB SITE FOR MORE DETAILS ON THESE CD-ROM EDUCATION PROGRAMS (Continuing Education and Professional Development)
CD-ROM-$395
• PREREQUISITES PROGRAMS FOR HACCP (You can’t start HACCP without It!)
• FOOD SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS IN NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
• LABELING of FDA FOODS
• SANITIZERS AND CLEANING AGENTS
Course information is available by calling the IFT e•XPRESS fax-on-demand system at 800-234-0270 in the U.S. and Canada (650-556-9176 elsewhere). Select Document #3010 for a listing of programs. Also see programs on IFT's Web site at www.ift.org/education/contedu
by SARA LANGEN
Assistant Editor