The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) will hold a virtual workshop series in March to help food producers gain a clear understanding of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) determination process. The series, titled, GRAS Essentials for Developers and Formulators, comprises four 90-minute sessions that will take place on March 18, 20, 25, and 27 from 12:00–1:30 P.M. CDT.

Registration for the workshop series can be accessed here.

Taking into account the rapidly evolving regulatory climate in the U.S., the workshop series will include practical, in-depth training to help food and beverage professionals stay in compliance with GRAS regulations. Participants will learn to properly evaluate and apply GRAS determinations in real-world scenarios, as well as understand the differences between GRAS regulations in the U.S. and novel food regulations internationally. The workshop will also include guidance on possible changes to the GRAS process and priorities.  

The workshop series will be hosted by former FDA official Steven Gendel, Ph.D., who has more than two decades of experience advancing science and policy in the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Dr. Gendel was the first FDA Food Allergen Coordinator, a role in which he contributed to the creation of agency policies, guidance documents, and regulation.