Food Policy Impact - 2026

DC IFT Members and Past Attendees,

We are excited to announce that the Washington D.C. Section of the Institute of Food Technologists will be hosting Food Policy Impact 2026 from Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at ArentFox Schiff LLP in Washington, DC.

Join us for an insightful event as we explore the evolving landscape of food policies, the actions shaping their future, and their potential impact on the food industry and public health.

An agenda and registration details for the event will be available soon. Stay tuned for more information!

About Food Policy Impact 2026

During this gathering, we will discuss the latest policy updates directly from representatives from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Agriculture (USDA), Health and Human Services (DHHS), and others. We will also look ahead at potential activities in the space under the Trump Administration and policy updates under the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement.

We will explore various hot topics related to food policy, including:

• Current regulatory activities related to ultra-processed foods
• Recent updates from the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and potential implications
• Federal and state activities on food ingredients, colors, additives, and GRAS substances;

Experts from diverse backgrounds will share their insights and experiences, providing valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Whether you are a policymaker, industry professional, or simply interested in the future of food, this event is a must-attend. Engage in lively discussions, network with like-minded individuals, and gain a deeper understanding of the impact food policies have on the world of food and nutrition.

Info: This sessions will highlight how clinical evidence and nutrition research are being translated into policy across major federal nutrition programs, including school meals, WIC, SNAP, and military food systems. Speakers will share case studies demonstrating effective implementation strategies and discussed organizational responses to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including perspectives from CSPI and leading scientific bodies.

Info: This panel will examine the evolving landscape of ultra‑processed foods (UPFs) through three complementary lenses. The first segment will highlight current scientific research on UPFs, including emerging evidence on health impacts and classification challenges. The discussion will then shift to consumer insights, exploring public perceptions, purchasing behaviors, and communication gaps surrounding UPFs. The session will conclude with an overview of new non‑UPF certification efforts from leading organizations, outlining how these standards aim to guide industry reformulation and support clearer choices for consumers. Together, the panel will provide a comprehensive view of the science, sentiment, and solutions shaping the future of UPF policy and practice.

Info: As states take an increasingly active role in regulating the use of food ingredients—diverging from federal standards—what does this mean for the future of food policy in the U.S.? The panel will discuss how we arrived at the current situation from industry, legal, and regulatory perspectives, examining recent and emerging state-level actions on food colors, sweeteners, and additives, and what the state activities might mean for federal regulations. Experts will explore the legal, scientific, and industry implications of this evolving regulatory landscape, discussing key questions: Will we see greater state-federal alignment or continued fragmentation? How might these policies impact food manufacturers, consumers, and global trade? Join us for a timely discussion on what’s next at the state and federal levels.

Info: This session will provide an update on the current environment in food allergen regulation and stakeholder engagement. Building on recent public and expert meetings convened by the agency, the discussion will highlight FDA’s evolving approaches to food allergen thresholds — risk-based levels that could inform labeling, risk communication, and regulatory expectations across the food industry.

Info: This session will explore how technology is reshaping food manufacturing, traceability, labeling, and food safety amid rising regulatory expectations and growing consumer scrutiny. Panelists will discuss how AI-driven tools are helping companies modernize production systems, enhance supply‑chain transparency, and meet evolving labeling and disclosure requirements. The conversation will also address the industry’s increasing need for real‑time risk detection and rapid response capabilities as food safety incidents and global supply disruptions become more complex. By highlighting both current applications and emerging innovations, the session will illustrate how new technologies are poised to strengthen compliance, improve operational resilience, and support a safer, more trustworthy food system.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) - Washington DC Section