The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific association 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 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), 2025-2030 Report. Free and open to the public, Dietary Guidelines: Reactions, Recommendations & Implications on Our Community will be held Thursday, January 15, from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. CT.

The Community Conversation will be led by Brendan Niemira, PhD, IFT’s new Chief Science and Technology Officer. Niemira previously served as lead scientist and research microbiologist at the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-ARS). At the USDA-ARS, where he spent more than 25 years, Niemira led a team of more than 30 scientists, engineers, technicians, postdocs, and students in developing tools to kill human pathogens on produce, meats, poultry, shellfish, and other foods. Niemira has published more than 200 peer-reviewed research articles, book chapters, and critical reviews and he is a recipient of the Department of Defense Award for Excellence in recognition for his work leading the USDA’s Food Safety and Intervention Technologies Research Unit. 

“The recently released DGA Report provides food-based recommendations intended to promote health, help prevent diet-related chronic diseases and meet nutrient needs across the population, but as agencies move forward with further guidance, policies and implementation efforts stemming from this report, there will need to be more meaningful collaboration with the broader scientific community to promote clarity, consistency, and trust in the recommendations and their implementation,” said Niemira. “This Community Conversation is an important opportunity for the scientific community to come together and share their reactions and recommendations to the DGA, as well as discuss how we can all work together to improve our food system.”

Register here. 

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 changing food landscape. 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.  

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.