According to the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), its Annual Meeting & Food Expo 2010 will attract around 20,000 attendees, and includes over 1,000 exhibiting companies.
Due to take place in Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center from July 17-20, the event aims to highlight latest developments in food science and technology, and will also include presentations on the latest regulations and trends impacting the food industry.
Scientific sessions
IFT’s scientific program this year includes around 115 sessions and 1,900 technical presentations. Core science program tracks are:
- Food Chemistry
- Food Microbiology
- Food Engineering
- Sensory Science
Key focus area program tracks are:
- Food Safety & Defense
- Food, Health & Nutrition
- Emerging Technologies & Ingredient Innovations
- Food Processing & Packaging
- Product Development
- Sustainability
- Public Policy
- Food Laws & Regulations
- Education and Professional Development
Trend tours
This year marks the second for IFT’s Trend & Solution Tours, which select a number of key industry trends and guide attendees to areas of interest on the show floor. The 2010 self-guided tours, which are accompanied with print guides, are:
- Taste Modification
- Ingredients for Functional Foods
- Reducing Formulation Costs
- Weight Management
- Food Safety
Nanoscience focus
The expo this year will again feature a day-long Nanoscience Conference, which will take place on Saturday July 17 in the Hilton, Chicago.
The event aims to examine the state of the science on safety and toxicological assessments of nanomaterials in food applications. It will also provide a review of global food nanomaterial regulatory updates and their legal implications to the food industry.
Other topics to be examined include investments in nanotechnology R&D by global governments and industry needs for successful application of nanosciences and nanotechnologies in foods.
Oil spill and food
A late breaking session added to the program is an examination of the impact of the Gulf oil spill on the food system.
Experts will address: the impact of the spill on fisheries and mariculture; contamination of other food chain components; challenges presented by environmental and other uncertainties; aspects of clean-up activities; and considerations in assuring consumer confidence.
Follow news
Our team of journalists from FoodNavigator-USA.com and NutraIngredients-USA.com will be at the Expo. Keep your eyes on these pages for the latest news and developments via news articles, videos and podcasts from the event.