Food Policy Impact - 2026
Join policy and industry leaders to unpack the latest in food regulation, nutrition policy, and what it means for the future of food.
Food Policy Impact 2026 brings together policy and industry leaders to unpack the latest developments in food regulation, nutrition policy, and what they mean for the future of food.
The Washington, D.C. Section of the Institute of Food Technologists is excited to host this two-day event Tuesday, April 21 – Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at ArentFox Schiff LLP in Washington, DC—with both in‑person and virtual attendance options available this year.
Join us for timely discussions on the evolving food policy landscape, featuring insights from experts across government, industry, and academia. Sessions will cover current regulatory priorities, emerging policy trends, and their implications for the food system and public health.
While we’re pleased to offer a virtual option for those unable to travel, we strongly encourage DC‑area attendees to join us in person. Food Policy Impact is known for its engaging discussions and, just as importantly, the opportunity to connect face‑to‑face with policymakers, regulators, and fellow food science professionals. From informal conversations between sessions to dedicated networking moments, the in‑person experience offers unique value you won’t want to miss.
Virtual attendees will receive a Zoom link to attend by April 20.
An agenda and speaker details will be shared soon. Stay tuned for more information and registration details.
About Food Policy Impact 2026
This year’s program will explore key food policy topics, including:
- Current regulatory activity related to ultra‑processed foods
- Updates from the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and potential implications
- Federal and state actions on food ingredients, colors, additives, and GRAS substances
Whether you attend in person or virtually, Food Policy Impact 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, expand your professional network, and deepen your understanding of the policies shaping the future of food.
Join policy and industry leaders to unpack the latest in food regulation, nutrition policy, and what it means for the future of food.
Food Policy Impact 2026 brings together policy and industry leaders to unpack the latest developments in food regulation, nutrition policy, and what they mean for the future of food.
The Washington, D.C. Section of the Institute of Food Technologists is excited to host this two-day event Tuesday, April 21 – Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at ArentFox Schiff LLP in Washington, DC—with both in‑person and virtual attendance options available this year.
Join us for timely discussions on the evolving food policy landscape, featuring insights from experts across government, industry, and academia. Sessions will cover current regulatory priorities, emerging policy trends, and their implications for the food system and public health.
While we’re pleased to offer a virtual option for those unable to travel, we strongly encourage DC‑area attendees to join us in person. Food Policy Impact is known for its engaging discussions and, just as importantly, the opportunity to connect face‑to‑face with policymakers, regulators, and fellow food science professionals. From informal conversations between sessions to dedicated networking moments, the in‑person experience offers unique value you won’t want to miss.
Virtual attendees will receive a Zoom link to attend by April 20.
An agenda and speaker details will be shared soon. Stay tuned for more information and registration details.
About Food Policy Impact 2026
This year’s program will explore key food policy topics, including:
- Current regulatory activity related to ultra‑processed foods
- Updates from the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and potential implications
- Federal and state actions on food ingredients, colors, additives, and GRAS substances
Whether you attend in person or virtually, Food Policy Impact 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, expand your professional network, and deepen your understanding of the policies shaping the future of food.
Good to know
Highlights
- 1 day 4 hours
- all ages
- In person
- Doors at 12:15 PM
Refund Policy
Location
ArentFox Schiff LLP
1717 K Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20006
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
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Food Policy and Lay of the Land
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FDA 2026 Priority Update
FDA’s Human Foods Program has outlined an ambitious agenda for 2026 that focuses on three core areas: food chemical safety, nutrition and chronic disease prevention, and microbiological food safety. This session will provide an update on the Agency’s planned initiatives, including strengthening oversight of food chemicals and additives (such as reforms to the GRAS process), advancing nutrition policy (such as ultra-processed foods and front-of-pack labeling), and modernizing food safety systems (including enhanced inspections and imported food oversight).
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USDA 2026 Priority Update
This session will highlight USDA’s focus areas across research and development, agricultural innovation, and nutrition programs. Attendees will gain insight into how USDA is advancing science-based research, strengthening domestic and global agricultural markets, supporting producers, and aligning food and agriculture policy with broader economic and public health objectives.