GMOs, Energy Drinks, and "Natural" Labeling: Controversial Issues Come to Anaheim, CA

On March 6, 2014 the Southern California section of the Institute of Food Technologists will host the annual "Hot Topics" conference, featuring discussions on controversial issues including GMOs, energy drinks and use of the word "natural" on food labels. 

This conference is open to anyone in the food/beverage and supplement industries, from food reporters to restaurant owners; from ingredient buyers, suppliers and 'marketeers' to food scientists, product developers and nutritionists. The purpose of this conference is to provide information on the topics most likely to confront those in the industry:

Should I market my product as an energy drink or a functional drink? Should we label our product a food or a supplement and what happens if we pick the wrong category? Can I say this fruit juice is natural? How can we tell our consumers we just can't do non-GM products without changing our entire business model and supply chain? 

The purpose of this conference is so people in the food, beverage and supplement industry can come learn about the some of the challenging topics our industry is facing. As a food scientist and one of the event coordinators I'm proud of the speakers we've assembled. We're hoping for engaging discussions and open minds so people won't be afraid to ask questions or to answer them honestly. Especially when it comes to GMOs and energy drinks, there's always the concern the question-and-answer portion of the presentations will turn ugly. It's happened before.

Scheduled Speakers and Topics:

Food/Beverage or Supplement? Guidelines and watch-outs for marketing in either category

Justin Prochnow, Attorney/Shareholder with Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Biotechnology: How different companies are handling the issue and how to address the issue with your consumers

John Ruff, Former IFT Chair, and Connor Link, Sr. Digital/Social Media Editor for New Hope Naturals Media

Satiety, A Balancing Act: Hunger, satiety and the role of taste and smell in food preference

            Dr. Richard Mattes, Distinguished Professor of Nutrition, Purdue University

The 'Natural' Perspective: What this term means to industry and to consumers

            Catherine Adams Hutt, PhD, RD, Chief Science & Regulatory Officer, Sloan Trends

The Southern California Food Industry Conference (SCFIC) will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center Marriott on March 6, 2014 from 8:30am – 4pm.  Winners of the SCFIC Gluten-Free Product Development Student Competition will be announced and awarded during lunch. For More Information: http://www.scifts.net/html/scfic.html