IFT

IFT stands for the Institute of Food Technologists, a global nonprofit professional association for food scientists and technologists. It was founded in 1939 by a group of researchers in Chicago and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The organization aims to advance the science of food and to improve public health by fostering research, education, and technology development, and by promoting professional standards in the field.

IFT serves a diverse membership that includes university researchers, industrial scientists, government staff, and students. It supports professional development through conferences, online courses, and networking opportunities, and it advocates for science-based policy on food safety, nutrition, and regulation. The association publishes two main outlets: the Journal of Food Science, a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal, and Food Technology, a magazine for practitioners. It also supports education through student chapters, scholarships, and other grant programs.

Members may attain professional recognition through programs such as the IFT Fellows designation and various industry awards. IFT maintains global networks and collaborates with other institutions to advance food safety, quality, nutrition, and sustainability. Its leading event, the Annual Event & Food Expo, gathers researchers, industry professionals, and suppliers to exchange ideas and showcase innovations. Through these activities, IFT influences industry standards, regulatory guidance, and the dissemination of science-based best practices in food science and technology.