Rethinking Ultra-Processed Foods: Evidence, Narratives & Policy Implications

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Where Food Science meets the Future

IUFoST 2026 World Food Congress
25–29 October in Hong Kong

Congress programme   Call for abstracts   Registration

Rethinking ‘Ultra-Processed’ Foods

Evidence, Narratives and Policy Implications

During the 2026 IUFoST World Food Congress, interdisciplinary experts from UN agencies, international and national scientific academies, governments, academia and industry will meet:

  • To discuss the scientific foundations, narratives, and policy implications of current approaches to food classification and consumer perceptions.

  • To foster an inclusive, multidisciplinary, and evidence-based dialogue.

Global contributions that:

  • Examine the scientific basis and limitations of current food classification systems.

  • Explore how these concepts are interpreted in public narratives and policy discussions.

  • Assess their implications for regulation, innovation, and food systems.

  • Identify alternative, evidence-based approaches.

  • Contribute to forward-looking recommendations for international dialogue.

Join us in Hong Kong 25 – 29 October 2026 for the 23rd IUFoST World Food Congress and be part of solutions based on science.

A Great Opportunity for Young Scientists and Undergraduate Students

Due to the strong interest in the congress competitions, we are pleased to extend the nomination deadline for the Young Scientist Awards to April 30, 2026, and the proposal submission deadline for the Undergraduate Food Product Development Competition to May 14, 2026.

If you have not yet submitted your entry, this is a great opportunity to take part. Explore more details below:

Young Scientist Awards: Learn more
Undergraduate Food Product Development Competition: Learn more

Stay updated on #IUFoST2026 via our social media channels and the congress website. For any enquiries, please contact us at iufost@iufost2026.org.