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• CIFST Call for Volunteers

  • Start
    Friday, August 01, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    Wednesday, December 31, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    CIFST

  Register

  

  Each program year, CIFST engages the participation and support of our member volunteers in the planning and delivery of programs and services. Like these hard-working volunteers, your motivation for sharing some of your time with CIFST could be for any one of a number of reasons:

  • to enhance your professional and business skills;
  • to develop your business contacts and relationships;
  • to support the industry in which you work, and help influence the direction of CIFST; 
  • and/or to help fellow association members benefit from high-calibre programs and events.

  Whatever the reason, you are guaranteed to get more from your CIFST membership by getting involved on any of the committees listed below.

  Membership - Assist in the attraction and engagement of new members and participate in retaining existing members. Committee Terms of Reference
  

  Scientific Advisory Panel - Increase CIFST’s identity, professionalism and voice through the development and sharing of expert views and information. Committee Terms of Reference
  

  Annual Conference - Contribute to the 2025 annual conference program development, assist with sponsorship sales and help promote attendance. Committee Terms of Reference
  

  The time commitment for each committee varies, however a committee may meet every six weeks with a volunteer’s monthly contribution of time totalling approximately 2 to 6 hours.
  
  If you know you can contribute the time and you wish to participate on a committee for a minimum of one year, please complete your registration. A representative may have additional questions to determine where your skills might be of greatest help to the members of CIFST.
  

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• Food Cluster Webinar: Novel feedstock for plant-based analogues of fermented dairy products

  • When
    Wednesday, September 24, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
  • Location
    Webinar

  Register

  
  

  Novel feedstock for plant-based analogues of fermented dairy products.
  

  Description: 

  The presentation will provide a conceptual framework for the selection of starter cultures for novel food fermentations including the fermentation of plant-based alternatives for dairy products, and provide examples for the performance of starter cultures in plant-based cheese-analogues.

  Our Speaker:  Michael Gänzle, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci-Ag, Food & Nutri Sci Dept University of Alberta

  Bio: Dr. Michael Gänzle is Professor and Canada Research Chair in Food Microbiology and Probiotics (Tier I) at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. His research aims to link microbial physiology and ecology to food quality and host health. His research interests include the development of novel technologies for food preservation, aiming to understand mechanisms of bacterial resistance to pathogen intervention technologies, and the characterization of lactic acid bacteria by functional genomics for use as starter cultures or probiotics in traditional and novel food fermentations.

  Event Details:

  Wednesday, September 24 , 2024
  12:00 - 12:45 p.m. EST

  Through Zoom Webinar platform

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• CIFST Knowledge Bites Webinar: FDA & Health Canada: Compliance Essentials for Innovative Foods and Ingredients

  • When
    Wednesday, October 01, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
  • Location
    Webinar

  Register

  
  

  FDA & Health Canada: Compliance Essentials for Innovative Foods and Ingredients

  Novel food biotechnology has seen annual global growth of 10% with growth drivers such as nutrient enhancement, shelf life extension and improving food security-coupled with innovation in genetic modified crops, microbial biotechnology and alternative proteins.  Key drivers have been health-conscious consumers, sustainability goals and technological breakthroughs. 

  The landscape for innovative food and health ingredients is evolving rapidly, and navigating the regulatory requirements in the U.S. and Canada has never been more critical. This session provides a comprehensive overview of how novel foods and functional health ingredients are assessed, approved, and monitored under FDA and Health Canada frameworks.

  Participants will gain a clear understanding of:

  • Regulatory definitions of novel foods and health ingredients in both jurisdictions
  • FDA pathways such as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) notifications, food additive petitions, and dietary ingredient requirements
  • Health Canada’s novel food process, including safety assessments, compositional data
  • Pre-market submission requirements, timelines, and supporting scientific evidence needed for approval
  • Key compliance considerations post-market, including labeling, claims substantiation, and ingredient change notifications

  Whether you are a food manufacturer, ingredient supplier, or regulatory affairs professional, this session will equip you with practical strategies to streamline submissions, anticipate regulator questions, and ensure your innovative products reach the North American market compliantly and efficiently.

  Our Speaker: 

  Andrew Parshad, Founder & President, Quality Smart Solutions

  Bio: 

  Andrew Parshad is the President, CEO, and founder of Quality Smart Solutions and Quality Import Solutions, a leading North American compliance solutions provider. His companies specialize in regulatory and quality assurance services to help brands and ingredient manufacturers comply with FDA and Health Canada regulations across various industries, including dietary supplements, foods, ingredients, cosmetics, OTC drugs, and medical devices. 

  Andrew has held key roles in multinational organizations before launching his own ventures. In 2007, he founded Quality Smart Solutions, which has since supported over 3500 clients navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Quality Import Solutions was established as a Health Canada-licensed importer for foods and natural health products, further expanding the range of services offered to clients.  

  Event Details:

  Wednesday, October 1, 2025
  12:00 - 12:45 p.m. EST

  Through Zoom Webinar platform

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• CIFST Manitoba Section: Exploring the Manitoba Veterinary Diagnostics Services Laboratory - A Tour Behind the Scenes

  • When
    Thursday, October 02, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    545 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB

  Register

  
  

  Join CIFST Manitoba for an exclusive guided tour of the Veterinary Diagnostic Services (VDS) laboratory—Manitoba’s leading facility for animal disease diagnostics and surveillance. 
  
  This rare opportunity offers a firsthand look at how advanced testing and expert analysis help safeguard both animal and public health across the province. 
  
  Learn the behind-the scenes and discover how their work supports biosecurity, food safety, and veterinary care in Manitoba.
  
  

  Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

  Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM

  Location: 545 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB

  Cost: Free for CIFST members | $20 for non-members

  Registration: Please register by October 1, 2025

  Space is limited—don’t miss this inside look at a key part of Manitoba’s animal health system!

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• CIFST Ontario Section: Meat Processing Course

  • Start
    Monday, October 06, 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    Wednesday, October 08, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    University of Guelph – Meat Lab Department of Animal Biosciences
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  National Meat Training Centre Value-added Meats Short Course

  The Value-added Meat Short course is to provide information regarding the safe production of processed products. By developing the understanding of processed products, there is a greater potential for improving safe food practices and a higher quality product.

  This course is designed as a basic introduction into the world of processed meat products. The goal of this course is to provide participants with the theory behind fresh, cooked, smoked products, meat curing and fermented sausage. In addition to this, casings, tumbler, sous-vide and smokehouse management are covered in the course material. In addition to time spent in class, participants will receive a “hands on” approach to the unique production practices in which the Olds College National Meat Training Centre uses to produce their processed products.

  Course Facilitator:  Brad McLeod – Olds College Alberta

  Brad is one of the few Canadian Meat Processing Experts and worldwide recognized for his research and innovation work in meat processing. He is lead of the National Meat Training Centre at Olds College in Alberta, Canada.

  Course target: Ontario Meat Processing Professionals

  This is a unique opportunity for Ontario and Quebec meat processing and culinary professionals to attend this special and hand on course. Brad has agreed to come to East Canada to share his expertise. The course has limited space to ensure that everyone will have the opportunity to learn hands on and interact with Brad and piers. Only 16 places are available. Please book as soon as possible.

  Date: October 6 to 8, 2025 – 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

  Place: University of Guelph – Meat Lab Department of Animal Biosciences

  Includes: Lectures materials, lunch and coffee breaks, lab on hand practice.

  Day	AM	PM
  Monday, October 6, 2025	Sausage Theory	Cooking/Smokehouse
  Tuesday, October 7, 2025	Curing	Emulsions
  Wednesday, October 8, 2025	Fermented Products	Dry Sausage

  
  

  Products to make

  • Smoked sausage
  • Bacon curing
  • Summer sausage
  • Base Emulsion

  Sponsored by:

  

  
  

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• Food Cluster Webinar: Plant protein-phenolic complexation towards healthy plant based-food development

  • When
    Wednesday, October 08, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
  • Location
    Webinar

  Register

  
  

  Description:  Plant protein-phenolic complexation towards healthy plant based-food development.

  Plant proteins and phenolics are widely co-occurring in plant-based food resources. In earlier reports, it was believed that protein-phenolic interactions reduced protein digestibility, and masked antioxidant capacity of phenolics. However, recent studies illustrate that protein-phenolic complexation can have positive effects on their merits, largely relying on the interacting compounds, surrounding conditions, and preparation procedures. This webinar will present recent research progress from our lab on plant protein interactions with phenolic compounds, exploring how these interactions can be leveraged to enhance or develop new functional properties in proteins for healthier plant-based food development.
  

  Our Speaker:  Lingyun Chen, Professor, University of Alberta

  Bio: Dr. Chen is a Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Plant Protein Structure and Function and a Full Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta. Her research program focuses on the fundamental understanding of plant protein structures underlying their functional properties. This knowledge has enabled her to develop various physical and enzymatic protein modification approaches to enhance functionalities, texture, and nutritional quality for food applications. By designing protein organization at the molecular level, she has also pioneered the fabrication of protein networks, such as hydrogels, fibers, films, and micro- and nanoparticles, for biomaterial and other industrial applications.

  Dr. Chen's research has resulted in over 230 publications and numerous invited presentations at international and national conferences. She was appointed Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in 2014 and renewed her CRC program in 2019. She received the 2020-21 Killam Annual Professorship at the University of Alberta and the Innovation Award by TEC-Edmonton in 2021.

  Dr. Chen is an active leader in the protein science and technology community, organizing symposiums and scientific sessions at international conferences including AOCS, ACS, and IFT. She currently serves as Chair of the Protein and Co-Products Division of the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) in 2023 and Vice Chair of the Agricultural Sustainability Sub-division of the American Chemical Society in 2022. Additionally, she serves as the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the AOCS journal, Sustainable Food Protein.

  Event Details:

  Wednesday, October 8 , 2025
  12:00 - 12:45 p.m. EST

  Through Zoom Webinar platform

  Show details
• CIFST Knowledge Bites Webinar: Workplace Hazards: Identification and Impact – Part 1

  • When
    Wednesday, October 15, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Webinar

  Register

  
  

  Workplace Hazards: Identification and Impact – Part 1*

  Join Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) in this conversation that focuses on identifying, assessing, and managing common hazards in the food sciences sector. Managing health and safety hazards in the workplace is important and we will cover the different types of hazards, practical ways to identify them, basic risk assessment principles to evaluate the potential harm to workers.

  Participants will gain insights into:

  • The importance of managing health and safety hazards in the workplace
  • The different types of hazards that may be present
  • Practical methods for hazard identification
  • Basic risk assessment principles to evaluate potential harm to workers
  • Q & A

  * PLEASE NOTE, this webinar will not be recorded. However, following the webinar, a follow-up email with resource links will be provided to all attendees. 

  Our Speaker:  

  Melissa Morin, Health & Safety Consultant, Risk Assessment and Root Cause Analysis (RARCA), WSPS
  

  Bio: Melissa joined Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) in 2011, bringing valuable experience in health and safety and ergonomics from financial services, food production, automotive and nuclear industries.  She is a certified Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) and Registered Kinesiologist (RKin). Melissa has earned an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, Co-operative Program from the University of Waterloo, and completed the Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety from Toronto Metropolitan University. 

  As a Specialized Consultant in Ergonomics at WSPS, Melissa works directly with employers and workers to implement effective health and safety solutions in the manufacturing and service sectors.  She specializes in the field of Ergonomics, conducting assessments in various workplaces, and providing findings and recommendations based on established ergonomic principles.  She provides training to employers and workers on workplace health and safety topics such as managing hazards, investigating incidents, and conducting office ergonomic assessments.  Melissa has conducted health and safety program audits and hazard assessments aligned with the requirements of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, Canada Labour Code Part II and their respective regulations.

  Event Details:

  Wednesday, October 15, 2025
  12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EST

  Through Zoom Webinar platform

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• CIFST Manitoba Section: Meet and Greet - Mentorship Program (Fall 2025 Session)

  • When
    Thursday, October 23, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Carolyn Sifton Lecture Theatre, Room 130 Agriculture Building, University of Manitoba, 66 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba

  Register

  
  

  Mentors and mentees are invited to kick off the Fall 2025 session with our CIFST Manitoba Mentorship Meet-and-Greet! This event is a great opportunity to connect, learn more about the program, and enjoy a casual evening with peers in the community.

  Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025

  Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM

  Location: Carolyn Sifton Lecture Theatre, Room 130 Agriculture Building, University of Manitoba, 66 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba

  What to expect:

  • A brief overview of the CIFST Manitoba Mentorship Program
  • Pizza dinner (because networking is better with food!)
  • Time to connect with mentors, mentees, and colleagues in the field

  Please RSVP by October 16, 2025. Registration details TBD.

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• CIFST Ontario Section: 35th Annual Suppliers' Night Tabletop Exhibition - TABLE Sign-up

  • When
    Tuesday, November 04, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    The International Center, 6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8

  Register

  
  

  SAVE THE DATE

  35th Annual Suppliers' Night Tabletop Exhibition

  Date: November 4th, 2025

  Time: 2pm - 6pm

  Location: The International Centre, Hall 1

  6900 Airport Road, Mississauga

  Cost per Table:

  Member: $900 Including HST

  Non-Member: $1,100 Including HST

  Platinum Sponsor:

  
  

  View available sponsorships here.

  If you’re unable to attend but would still like to support the event, you can do so through our online sponsorship store
  

  QUESTIONS? Please contact info@cifstontario.ca

  CIFST Ontario Section has secured a room block for November 2, 3 and 4 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport, 262 Carlingview Drive, Toronto, M9W 5G1. The room rate is $199 for a one bedroom king suite or a two bed queen suite. The cut off date to reserve is October 10, 2025. CLICK THIS LINK to reserve.
  

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• CIFST Ontario Section: 35th Annual Supplier's Night Table Top Exhibition - Visitor Sign-up (Attendees Only)

  • When
    Tuesday, November 04, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    International Centre, Hall 1, 6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8

  Register

  
  

  The CIFST Ontario section would like to invite professionals and students from the food and beverage industry to join us for the

  35th Annual Suppliers' Night Tabletop Exhibition

  Date: November 4th, 2025

  Time: 2pm - 6pm

  Location: The International Centre, Hall 1

  6900 Airport Road, Mississauga

  *Please note, fees will go up at the door.

  This FLAGSHIP EVENT is a great opportunity to network and explore new products and services from exhibitors across North America

  QUESTIONS? Please contact info@cifstontario.ca

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• CIFST Knowledge Bites Webinar: Workplace Hazards: Manage and Review – Part 2

  • When
    Wednesday, November 12, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
  • Location
    Webinar

  Register

  
  

  Workplace Hazards: Manage and Review – Part 2*

  This is the second session in a two-part series designed to deepen CIFST members’ understanding of workplace health and safety.

  Building on the foundational concepts introduced in Part 1, this session focuses on practical strategies for managing and reviewing workplace hazards. By leveraging these insights, workplaces can enhance safety outcomes and foster a proactive safety culture that drives continuous improvement.

  Participants will explore:

  • The top risks identified in the Food Manufacturing Risk Assessment and Root Cause Analysis (RARCA) research project
  • Methods of hazard control and evaluation
  • Tools and resources to support ongoing health and safety improvements
  • Q & A

  * PLEASE NOTE, this webinar will not be recorded. However, following the webinar, a follow-up email with resource links will be provided to all attendees.

  Our Speaker:  

  Sara Lambie, B.Sc., CRSP, Health and Safety Consultant at Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) 

  Bio: 

  Sara Lambie has been a dedicated Health and Safety Consultant at Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) since 2018. With a strong background in the manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors, she brings a wealth of practical experience to her role.

  Sara specializes in delivering training, conducting workplace assessments, and providing guidance on a wide range of health and safety topics. Her work supports Ontario employers in creating safer, more compliant, and productive work environments. 

  Event Details:

  Wednesday, November 12, 2025
  12:00 - 12:45 p.m. EST

  Through Zoom Webinar platform

  Show details
• CIFST Manitoba Section: Mixer 2025 | In Collaboration with RCFTR

  • When
    Thursday, November 13, 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    UM SmartPark Innovation Hub, 100 Innovation Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba

  
  

  Wrap up your RCFTR Food Technology and Research Day experience by joining us for the CIFST Manitoba Mixer!

  This casual networking session is the perfect opportunity to connect with colleagues, industry professionals, researchers, and students in an informal setting. Share ideas, build relationships, and continue the conversations sparked throughout the day.

  Date: November 13, 2025

  Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM

  Location: UM SmartPark Innovation Hub, 100 Innovation Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba

  Whether you’re a long-time member or new to CIFST Manitoba, the Mixer is your chance to expand your network and strengthen ties within the food science and technology community.

  REGISTER HERE

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• CIFST Knowledge Bites Webinar: The Impact of your Gut Microbiome as it relates to Mood, Skin, Energy, Weight, Sleep and Longevity

  • When
    Monday, November 24, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
  • Location
    Webinar

  
  

  SAVE THE DATE!

  The Impact of your Gut Microbiome as it relates to Mood, Skin, Energy, Weight, Sleep and Longevity

  Our Speaker:  

  Nicole Inwentash BA, CNP, RNCP, Registered Holistic Nutritionist
  

  Bio:  Nicole is a Toronto based Holistic Nutritionist who specializes in weight loss, digestion, and healthy eating. She is also the founder of NUTRITIOUSLY NICOLE INC., a brand, Instagram, blog, and nutrition practice.

  Her personal journey to holistic nutrition began during high school when she started experiencing digestive issues. She was eventually diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. Doctors prescribed medication, and constantly told her to eat more fibre and drink more water, but nothing was making her feel better.

  After visiting a food sensitivity practitioner, she was advised to cut out certain food groups (gluten, dairy and corn) to see if she would notice any changes. To her surprise, after 2 weeks, her body felt better, and her digestion was improving. Nicole has been off gluten and dairy for over 15 years, and it has been life changing for her.

  Nicole has been practicing nutrition for 11 years and she is an expert in designing specific individualized nutrition programs with a focus on how lifestyle impacts health. Nicole is best known as the “Product Queen”! She loves to research the latest and greatest healthy products on the market. She finds excitement when she can provide her clients and followers a healthy alternative or as she likes to call it, a “healthy swap”.

  Event Details:

  Monday, November 24, 2025*
  12:00 - 12:45 p.m. EST

  *Please note that this webinar will take place on a Monday, rather than the usual Wednesday when our webinars are typically held.

  Through Zoom Webinar platform

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