IFT Sci Dish

Low and no-calorie artificial sweeteners have a long and controversial history. Originally developed to reduce caloric intake, these sugar substitutes have become a hot topic for consumers. Join host Bruce Perkins and guest experts, Drs. Gavin Thompson, Ray Matula, and Jim Coughlin, as they unravel the intricacies of artificial sweetener safety.
Beginning with a look at what artificial sweeteners are, the experts provide a brief historical overview of key sweeteners, including saccharine, aspartame, sucralose, and stevia, among others, and their presence in our food. Then, they will review the regulatory approval process for artificial sweeteners as food additives/ingredients in the United States. The discussion will conclude with a conversation regarding the assessment of sweeteners for safety vs. studies evaluating their potential health benefits.
By the end of this podcast, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the nature of artificial sweeteners and the complexities of safety evaluation.

Join host Matt Teegarden and guest speakers Erica Jenkins, Emma Topps, and Kurt Callaghan as they explore the interconnections between accessibility and the future of the food ecosystem. Discover how Ingredion leverages diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), supplier diversity and well-being, pipeline programs, and community-driven initiatives to drive innovative solutions within their organization, helping create a more accessible, safer, and sustainable global food system for everyone.

Plastics have been a popular choice for food packaging for a considerable time, but the resulting accumulation of non-biodegradable plastic waste has caused growing concern about its detrimental effects on both the environment and human health. In this enlightening discussion, our host Bruce Perkin and guest speakers Dr. Maya Al Sid Cheikh from the University of Surrey and Paul Takhistov from Rutgers University dive into the topic of micro and nano plastics. Join the speakers as they share their expert insights and shed light on the impact of micro and nano plastics.

This is the second podcast in a sensory sciences series in collaboration with the Sensory & Consumer Sciences Division. Host Bruce Perkin and guest speakers Becky Bleibaum and Anna Leachman will be discussing tools to get rapid and reliable consumer feedback on products. This conversation highlights the advantages of consumer research, what consumer acceptance is and why it is important, how tight timelines and budgets impact outcomes, and more. 

This podcast is the first episode in a Sensory Sciences series in collaboration with the Sensory & Consumer Sciences Division. Join host Bruce Perkin and speakers Becky Bleibaum and Heather Thomas as they discuss Quantitative Description Analysis (QDA.) QDA is a sensory tool that was developed in the mid-1970s to correct perceived problems with flavor profile analysis. During this conversation, the speakers will be covering what QDA is and how it works, QDA strengths compared to other tools, taking QDA into a new space, making sure consumer voices are not lost when using culinary professionals and more. 

Bird Flu is a term that is used to describe the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The first instance of HPAI in 2022 was confirmed in a commercial turkey flock in Indiana on February 3 and since then, over 50 cases have been identified across 17 states, in both commercial and backyard flocks. The records indicate that the current avian influenza outbreak is the largest we have seen since 2014–2015.
Join host Bruce Perkin and guest speaker Yvonne Thaxton as they discuss what is avian influenza, can humans’ contract it, the biosecurity measures that are in place and more!

Join the Sustainable Food Systems Division along with host Bruce Perkins and guest speaker Sue Klapholz as they discuss her passion about addressing climate change by moving away from animal agriculture, while ensuring nutrition and public health are not compromised. In addition to sharing her passions Sue shares her insights as one of the original scientists at both Impossible Foods and Kite Hill.
To learn more on how to join the Sustainable Food Systems Division click here!

Ancient grains have become a buzzword in the food and nutrition industries – and there’s a reason that humankind has cultivated and utilized these grains for centuries. AB InBev founded EverGrain to explore the potential of an ancient grain it knows better than anyone else – barley – and how through upcycling, it could eventually unlock an opportunity to reform the food sector’s approach to nutrition and sustainability. Through innovations from the EverGrain team, upcycled barley is the only source of plant-based protein at scale that can deliver high levels of nutrition, a low carbon footprint, and optimal taste and functionality in product development. During this podcast, you’ll hear from some key members of EverGrain’s showing how upcycled barley protein can truly revolutionize the plant-based market.

Are you looking to start a career in the food space? Join Bruce Perkin, Armetha Pihlstrom (Senior Director of U.S. and Canada Foodservice Sales at Future Farms) and Dr. Owen Carryl (Executive Recruiter/Head of the Food Industry Practice at Kaye/Bassman International) as they discuss tips and tricks on how to nurture your career! Learn tips and tricks on how to stand out in the job market, what companies are looking for in a candidate, the importance of internships, your digital footprint and more. During this episode discover how you go the extra mile during the recruitment process. In addition to tips and tricks join an important conversation about DEI in the work space.