CHICAGO – March 6, 2025 – The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, will host a virtual workshop to help food developers and formulators gain a clear understanding of GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). “GRAS Essentials for Developers & Formulators” includes four 90-minute online sessions that take place over a two-week period. The sessions will be held on March 18, 20, 25, and 27 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. CDT.
The workshop will include practical, in-depth training on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) GRAS regulations, helping food and beverage professionals stay in compliance when developing new products. Participants will learn to properly evaluate and apply GRAS determinations in real-world scenarios, as well as understand the differences between GRAS regulations in the U.S. and novel food regulations internationally. The workshop will also include guidance on possible changes to the GRAS process and priorities.
“With a rapidly evolving regulatory climate, it’s more important than ever for food and beverage organizations to ensure that they’re in compliance with GRAS policies and directives. This workshop will empower participants with essential skills for ensuring safety and compliance when creating and using new ingredients,” said IFT Chief Science and Technology Officer Bryan Hitchcock.
The workshop is hosted by former FDA official Steven Gendel, PhD. An internationally recognized expert on food safety, assessing new food products, and food policy and regulation, Gendel brings with him over two decades of experience advancing science and policy in the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. As the first FDA Food Allergen Coordinator, he contributed to the creation of agency policies, guidance documents, and regulations.
IFT will host three additional virtual workshops this spring: “Food Fraud Prevention: Reducing Disruptions through Supply Chain & Enterprise Risk Management,” “How AI is Reshaping Your Job and Plate: Are You Ready?,” and “Revealing Emerging Food Trends: Insights for the Global F&B Industry.”
Register for the workshop.
Last year, Gendel hosted “Decoding GRAS: Regulatory Understanding in the New Product Development Process,” a free webinar that explored the intricacies of GRAS determinations during the product development process. This year’s IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo will feature a scientific session on food additives, which are often evaluated through the GRAS process. IFT FIRST will also feature sessions on other key topics important to food and beverage developers and formulators, including salt, sugar and fat reduction and emerging research on GLP-1 Agonists.
Registration is now open for IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo.
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.
Media Contacts
Dennis Van Milligen
Director, External Relations
Institute of Food Technologists
630-853-3022
[email protected]
Frannie Comstock
Manager, PR and Organizational Communications
Institute of Food Technologists
513-374-8900
[email protected]
