Issue 6 I February 4, 2025

Caitlyn Soriano

R&D Associate Principal Scientist

PepsiCo

Debbie Levine

Director of Global Scientific

& Regulation Affairs

Ingredion

Dana Daneker Gasiorowski

Creative Director and Principal Flavorist

IFF

North Atlantic Region College Bowl

The Rutgers University Food Science Graduate Student Association will be hosting the North Atlantic Region College Bowl Competition in New Brunswick, NJ on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Participating schools are: Cornell University, McGill University, Rutgers University, University of Connecticut, University of Maine and University of Massachusetts (Amherst).

They are looking for support and sponsors; judges are also needed.

Join us for an exciting evening of NHL hockey and NYIFT comradery. This is a very popular event.

We have a limited number of tickets, and we have sold-out this event every year. Last year, we added a pre-game reception, hosted in the scenic Prudential Center Skyloft.

Everyone enjoyed the pre-game socialization so we will do the same this year (complimentary hors d’ouevres and cash bar).

Then, we will shift gears to take our seats together in our reserved section to root for our hometown skaters! New this year – by popular demand, we have shifted this event to a weekend evening so that it will be a more relaxing and enjoyable time.

A professional NHL game - for just $80 a ticket that includes the pre-game reception, light snacks, and cash bar! Learn more about the game.

In the past year, there seems like there have been more food safety recalls than ever. Many of these recalls came from long established companies with well established brands: Boar’s Head luncheon meats, McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, and PepsiCo’s Quaker Chewy Granola Bars.

What is the story behind these recalls? Is the food industry losing its ability to ensure food supply safety? Come hear what Dr. Donald W. Schaffner, a recognized expert in microbiological risk assessment, can tell us.

Join leading food science professionals as they dive into the pivotal role of sustainability in the food industry. Discover the latest trends, innovative strategies, and cutting-edge advancements in sustainable food production, processing, and consumption.

Hear firsthand how companies are driving their sustainability agendas and explore real-world examples of sustainable practices. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of food!

Exhibitor Booth Registration Open - Get Your Booth Today!

Reflecting on the Fall Semester and Planning for the Spring Semester

Chenge Wang and Alex Glazer

As the fall semester ends, we welcome a bright and exciting new spring semester! Here's a glimpse of what Rutgers Food Science students accomplished at the end of 2024 and a preview of what's to come.

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) hosted a memorable Thanksgiving dinner featuring a variety of delicious dishes prepared by students, including homemade turkey, ham, and chicken stew, alongside potluck contributions representing diverse cultural backgrounds.

This event fostered community spirit and camaraderie, as highlighted by Department Chair, Dr. Schaffner, during the gathering. In addition, the GSA partnered with CAPS (Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services) to host a mental health session as part of the Visible DEI Series. This session focused on stress relief strategies ahead of final exams. More events in this series will be held throughout the spring semester. Continue Reading

Call for Officers for the 2025-26 NYIFT/CNJIFT Program Year

As we finish up plans for the 2024/2025 NYIFT/CNJIFT program year, we are looking ahead toward the next. We are looking for new EXCOM/Board Members to fill our slate for the 2025/2026 year, and to share their thoughts and ideas, as well as to participate in developing the program.  

We have a range of positions open, so please consider volunteering! It’s a fun way to give back to our profession and industry. Contact the NYIFTOffice@NYIFT.org if interested. We are sure you will find it fulfilling!

Help Wanted on the CNJIFT Arrangements Committee

Culinary Coordinator Extraordinaire!

Calling All CNJIFT Members: We need a dedicated volunteer to take over the arrangements for our meetings. 

What You’ll Do:

• Scout the Best Restaurants: Find central, convenient locations with delicious food, excellent service, and reasonable prices.
• Manage All Arrangements: From booking to ensuring the contract is accurate, you’ll handle it all.
• Our Needs: Make sure all our requirements are met and that the tickets are priced appropriately.

Who You Are:

• Organized: You have a keen eye for detail and can juggle multiple tasks with ease.
• Food Lover: You know good food and great service when you see it.
• Negotiator: You can secure the best deals and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Why Join Us?

• Be Part of a Fun Team: Work with passionate food industry professionals who appreciate your efforts.
• Make a Difference: Your role is crucial in making our meetings successful and enjoyable.
• Smooth Transition: The current chair will work with you to ease the transition during the first part of 2025, ensuring you’re fully prepared to take over.

Ready to take on this delicious challenge? There are 3-4 meetings per year and you’ll have a lot of assistance in your role. Reach out to NYIFToffice@NYIFT.org and help us make our meetings unforgettable and events our members won’t want to miss!

Miguel Freitas, Danone

Wiggs Civitillo, Starfish-Network

Thomas Hart, Sapphire Flavors & Fragrances

Megan Rhodes, Global Natural Foods

Kapila Devkota, Greyston Bakery

We invite your organization to support NYIFT/CNJIFT through Corporate Sponsorship. Your support will benefit both the organization and the Food Industry. In turn, your company will benefit from the association in these ways:

• A full list of Suppliers Day attendees will be provided detailing names, companies and contact information
• Complimentary employment listing posted both on our website and in our e-newsletter (standard cost is $200 per ad per month)
• Your company will be listed and highlighted as a Corporate Sponsor on our website and in each issue of our e-newsletter.
• A Sponsorship Certificate will be sent to you via email for use at your discretion

The current annual cost for Corporate Sponsorship is $350; however, Corporate Sponsors who are also Suppliers Day participants will pay the normal fee for a booth and a reduced Corporate Sponsorship cost of $250. In addition, Corporate Sponsors will have their logos included on the online Expo floor plan.

We use most of the Corporate Sponsorship funds to support student scholarships and other NYIFT/CNJIFT programming.

The Corporate Sponsorship year runs January 1 through December 31 – so now is a great time to become or renew as a NYIFT Corporate Sponsor.

For more information, please reach out to Katy Taylor, our Section Administrator at NYIFToffice@NYIFT.org.

Thank you for supporting NYIFT & CNJIFT. Your contributions help fund the NYIFT Scholarships and Awards Program. A star (*) indicates a new Corporate Sponsor for 2025 (as of 1/31/25).

• ABRAZIL LLC*
• Beverage Hill Int'l, Inc.*
• Brad-Pak Enterprises, Inc.
• Dempsey Food

• Ecuadorian Rainforest, LLC
• Hunter, Walton & Co., Inc
• IFPC*
• Microthermics, Inc.

• OSF Flavors
• Siemer Specialty Ingredients*
• Wego Chemical Group*

Contact Us! Please note, to contact the NYIFT Office or any officer the e-mail address is: NYIFToffice@NYIFT.org

Article Submissions: If you have any articles that you would like considered for publication in future issues of NIFTY News please send them to:  NYIFToffice@NYIFT.org and put Article for Submission to the NIFTY News in the subject line.