Conference to take holistic approach to the issue of sodium; speakers to address challenges, flavor alternatives, health and public policy
(Washington, D.C.) The National Restaurant Association announced today that registration is open for its “Nutrient Essentials: Sodium and the Healthy Plate” conference in Chicago, July 9-11, 2008. Shaping America’s Health and the Grocery Manufacturers Association are partners on the conference, which will take a holistic approach to sodiumfrom the science of taste and overall diet, to health effects and food safety. The conference will feature a broad range of speakersincluding Terry Mason (Chicago Department of Public Health), Chef Art Smith (TABLEfifty-two in Chicago) and Michael Jacobson (Center for Science in the Public Interest)and culinary showcases.
“Sodium has increasingly become a topic of discussion over the past year, and will continue to be a key component of the overall nutrition issue in the year to come,” said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “Sodium is a unique and complex food component from both a culinary and a food manufacturing aspect. While many companies are already working to reduce sodium, our conference will provide a forum to further explore public policy approaches and operational successes, as well as practical experience with flavoring alternatives.”
The conference is designed to educate industry professionals about the issues and challenges surrounding sodium, how restaurants are responding, as well as to share knowledge, develop a deeper understanding of sodium’s place in the diet and food production. It is open to nutrition, quality assurance, culinary, research and development, marketing and government affairs professionals in the restaurant and foodservice, packaged food and health industries.
“While salt certainly has an important place in the culinary arts, there is a world of flavorful ingredients available to chefs and culinarians to create healthful and flavorful dishes without using it to excess,” said Jim Hill, PhD, Chair of Shaping America’s Health. Hill adds, “We believe the Nutrient Essentials Conference will foster a better understanding of the key issues around the healthy plate and provide a platform for restaurants to expand healthy options on their menu without sacrificing the flavor their guests have come to expect.”
“I am proud of the efforts of food manufacturers to reformulate their products to reduce the amount of salt,” said Cal Dooley, GMA President and CEO. “The industry has made great progress and we are committed to continuing our efforts to provide consumers with great tasting and lower sodium products that help them reach dietary goals and live healthy lives.”
Topics of panel discussions, education sessions and roundtables will include:
• Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• Consumer tastes and preferences
• Consumer understanding of health issues
• The science behind government recommendations
• Successes and challenges across the supply chain
• Culinary techniques and flavor opportunities
The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, July 9 to 11, 2008. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To view the full conference agenda and register to attend, visit http://www.restaurant.org/events/nutrition.
The National Restaurant Association, founded in 1919, is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which is comprised of 945,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a work force of 13.1 million employees – making it the cornerstone of the economy, career and employment opportunities and community involvement. Along with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association works to represent, educate and promote the rapidly growing industry. For more information, visit our Web site at www.restaurant.org.
Shaping America’s Health is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by the American Diabetes Association. Its mission is to prevent and treat excess weight and obesity, and to facilitate a better scientific understanding of weight management. For more information about weight management and obesity prevention, visit www.shapingamericashealth.org. Visitors will find tools they can use to improve their nutritious food choices, and develop and maintain their fitness goals. They can also sign up for a free Family Health E-newsletter which provides needed information and support for individuals creating a more positive HealthStyle for themselves and their families.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) represents the world’s leading food, beverage and consumer products companies. The Association promotes sound public policy, champions initiatives that increase productivity and growth and helps to protect the safety and security of the food supply through scientific excellence. The GMA board of directors is comprised of chief executive officers from the Association’s member companies. The $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry employs 14 million workers, and contributes over $1 trillion in added value to the nation’s economy. For more information, visit the GMA Web site at www.gmaonline.org.
