Talking With a Cultivated Meat Innovator, MAHA at IFT FIRST

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Omnivore

Episode Description

Bianca Lê, a cell biologist and head of special projects at Mission Barns, shares the story of the groundbreaking startup’s path to the creation of cell-cultivated pork fat. Martin Hahn, a regulatory attorney and partner at Hogan Lovells, and Maha Tahiri, CEO of Nutrition Sustainability Strategies, explore how the MAHA agenda could reshape formulation, labeling, and ingredient safety strategies across the food industry in this live session recorded at IFT FIRST.

Plus: This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by IFT’s Science and Policy Initiatives, your food science advocate elevating the central role of food science in food and nutrition security, food safety, and sustainable food systems, and championing the adoption of science-based regulations in policies and legislation. Learn more at Policy & Advocacy.

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Featured Guests

Bianca Le Phd

Bianca Lê is head of special projects and external affairs at Mission Barns. Prior to joining Mission Barns, she was founder, executive director, and chair of Cellular Agriculture Australia, a nonprofit organization with the mission of promoting and accelerating research, collaboration, and innovation across the cellular agriculture sector in Australia. She has a PhD, anatomy and developmental biology, Monash University, a BS (Honours), physiology, Monash University, and a BS, human structure and function, University of Melbourne.
Martin Hahn Food Law Expert

Martin Hahn is a partner at Hogan Lovells with deep expertise in food law and regulatory strategy. With a background in food technology and a J.D. from Northwestern University, he advises clients across the food industry on ingredient approvals, labeling, enforcement, and compliance challenges. His work spans conventional foods, dietary supplements, infant formulas, and emerging product categories like hemp extracts.
Maha Tahiri Nutrition Advisor

Maha Tahiri is CEO and founder of Nutrition Sustainability Strategies LLC, where she advises companies on global health, nutrition, and regulatory strategy. A seasoned executive and board advisor, she brings decades of experience leading innovation and public health initiatives at major food and beverage companies. Tahiri is known for translating science and consumer insights into strategies that drive sustainable growth and improve the food system.

Omnivore

IFT’s Omnivore and Omnivore Presents: SciDish podcasts spark lively, thought-provoking conversations with the science, business, and regulatory leaders shaping the future of food. Each episode delivers sharp analysis, practical insights, and bold ideas designed to challenge assumptions, ignite innovation, and energize your work across the global food system.

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