IFT To Host Community Conversation on Release of MAHA Strategy Recommendations

CHICAGO – September 10, 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, is hosting an interactive community conversation on the release of the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) strategy recommendations. Open to the public, Community Conversation: MAHA Report Recommendations will be held on Tuesday, September 16, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CDT.

The virtual event will address the recommendations and strategy approach from the recently released MAHA Commission Strategy Report and the potential ramifications it will have on the food system and food companies. The discussion, moderated by registered dietician nutritionist Janet Helm, will address everything from synthetic colors and GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) chemicals to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines and ultra-processed foods.

“At IFT, we believe it’s essential to create space for important, and sometimes challenging, conversations about the future of our food system,” said Christie Tarantino-Dean, CEO of IFT. “We saw an incredible amount of interest in the MAHA report and related topics during IFT FIRST, and this Community Conversation is one of the ways we’re continuing to engage the community, share science-based insights, and provide resources that help people navigate change. This is what IFT does best—bringing together diverse voices to talk about impact, learn from one another, and move forward, together.”

Register for the community conversation.

IFT has created a series of key resources and educational tools to help the food community better understand the health implications and scientific challenges associated with the MAHA recommendations, including Brain Food Blogs on the original MAHA Report, natural colors reformulation, and nutrition policy.

Earlier this year, IFT also hosted a series of highly attended events, including editorial webinars on ultra-processed foods and fat, salt, and sugar reduction, as well as a series of scientific sessions at the recently completed IFT FIRST on critical topics including food additives and the Make America Healthy Again movement.

IFT members have access to an extensive library of exclusive content and resources, as well as a series of virtual and in-person networking opportunities – plus members receive a healthy discount to the world’s most popular food science, research, and technology event, IFT FIRST. Learn more about joining this growing community at ift.org/membership.

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 Contact

Dennis Van Milligen
Director, External Relations
Institute of Food Technologists          
630-853-3022 
dvanmilligen@ift.org