Food Industry & Research Summit

Highlights from FAACT's Global Food Industry & Research Summit

FAACT’s Global Food Industry & Research Summit remains the premier cross-sector forum dedicated to advancing food allergy safety, research, and innovation. Despite the absence of federal partners due to the government shutdown, the summit united thought leaders and industry stakeholders—including over 40 industry partners representing the U.S. and United Kingdom—in meaningful dialogue, exploring practical, science-driven solutions to better meet the needs of the global food allergy community. “This is the only meeting in the nation where everyone comes together, from the farmer to the scientist and researcher, pharma, FDA, USDA, manufacturers, food service, physician, and the consumer,” said Soheila Maleki, Ph.D. and Lead Scientist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
 
This year’s summit welcomed new voices from the legal and linguistic fields, reflecting the growing importance of clear communication and regulatory insight as Precautionary Allergen Labeling (PAL) and allergen thresholds take center stage in global discussions. Experts from across the food allergy ecosystem shared their knowledge, including representatives from the Food Allergy Research and Resource Program (FARRP) at the University of Nebraska, food manufacturers, innovators, food service leaders, allergists, dietitians, researchers, scientists, retailers, restaurant chains, food growers, pharmaceutical partners, advocates, and consumers. These diverse perspectives fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas aimed at advancing safe, transparent, and inclusive practices for individuals and families living with food allergies. 

With an agenda that spanned research, regulation, and real-world outcomes, the summit highlighted the power of collaboration across disciplines. Session topics spanned the latest advances in food allergy science, patient quality of life, consumer insights, and ongoing efforts to improve the clarity and consistency of voluntary allergen labeling. Experts examined free-from labeling, legal perspectives on PAL and threshold-based risk communication, and the emerging influence of linguistics in shaping consumer understanding. Attendees gained a comprehensive view of food allergen analysis methods, manufacturing risk management, and how patients navigate label reading in daily life.
 
FAACT’s corporate partners played an essential role, sharing updates on innovative technologies, emerging treatments, and practical solutions that directly support the food allergy community. A highlight of the event was an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Hyatt Lodge kitchen, where participants observed large-scale food service operations and allergen-control practices in action.
 
The value of this summit lies in its ability to bring together every discipline—science, policy, industry, and advocacy—in a single collaborative space to exchange knowledge, spark innovation, and advance best practices.
 
FAACT is continually humbled and inspired by the robust participation and meaningful dialogue that unfold during this annual event. The energy, collaboration, and shared purpose of our food allergy community remind us why this work matters. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attends, supports, and champions the Global Food Industry & Research Summit mission to advance education, advocacy, and quality of life for individuals and families managing food allergies worldwide. Together, we are shaping a future where learning, discovery, and inclusion drive safer lives for all.

FAACT's twelfth annual Global Food Industry and Research Summit will be held
October 25-27, 2026 in Oak Brook, Illinois. 

For more information or learn how to get involved, please email
Eleanor.Garrow@FoodAllergyAwareness.org