The General Assembly develops and controls IUFoST policies and actions. Its responsibilities include the consideration of proposals involving international co-operative scientific programs and activities; the approval of methods to finance IUFoST activities and reports of expenditures; the development of rules and procedures governing IUFoST activities, the election of officers, and the Governing Council General Assembly resolutions dealing with scientific and technical co-operation. These are adopted by a majority vote of the members present. Such resolutions are advisory in nature, to the Adhering Bodies, and may be adjusted to comply with the laws, conditions, and opportunities in the nations involved.

Each member nation is allocated a number of voting delegates to the General Assembly on the basis of its annual fee assessment (see Membership). Proxy delegates may be nominated to attend if the named delegates are unable to participate. The Governing Council has the power to admit an adhering body to non-voting membership without fee.

The General Assembly holds regular meetings so that they coincide with the international congresses of food science and technology sponsored by the Union.