In this exclusive video interview filmed at the show, Dennis told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “The main message I’ll be taking away from here is the real emotion and passion around our discipline of the science of food. It really makes us a very close family at IFT conferences.”
‘An increasing number of people safely’
“It’s a family that has a common aim to feed an increasing number of people safely, with a nutritionally-balanced diet in a sustainable way. My take home message this year is that there is an increased passion to communicating the importance of science and innovation in achieving that very challenging goal.”
Dennis highlighted the role of the IFT-funded film – Food Evolution – in helping to move the debate about controversial topics such as genetic modification (GM) on to a more scientific footing.
Opponents and supporters
Directed by Oscar nominee Scott Hamilton Kennedy and presented by US TV science star and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, the 90-minute feature film explores the myths and science surrounding GM technology and motives of opponents and supporters.
The immediate past president of the IFT also underlined the importance of welcoming the next generation of youngsters into food science and technology careers.
Meanwhile, read more about Food Evolution here.
The IFT’s Annual Meeting & Food Expo was staged in Las Vegas, Nevada at the end of last month.