About IUFoST
The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) is an organization of member countries that is the world organization for food science and technology. It is a voluntary, non-profit association of national organizations of food scientists and professionals, bringing together scientists and technologists from around the world.
IUFoST promotes the development of global food science and technology through educational programs, seminars, regional symposia, and through IAFoST – the International Academy of Food Science and Technology.
IUFoST stimulates the international exchange of scientific knowledge and ideas through the World Congress (every 2 years),
IAFoST, three scientific journals, an online magazine, and a Scientific Information Periodical.
IUFoST aims to strengthen the role of food science and technology in supporting food supply and eliminating food hunger by developing programs such as distance learning, seminars, and integrated food systems necessary to achieve these goals.
In 1995, the World Congress publicly committed itself to the Budapest Declaration, which stated: “We declare our determination to work for the eradication of hunger and the reduction of all forms of malnutrition in the world.”
How does IUFoST function?
The General Assembly develops and oversees the policies and actions of IUFoST. The Governing Board sets the goals for the Term, and the Commission develops strategies to achieve them.
The Scientific Committee upholds the scientific standards and overall integrity of IUFoST.
IUFoST is forming the International Academy of Food Science and Technology (IAFoST) to recognize individuals who are leaders in food science and technology. IAFoST is a scientific association composed of selected members from around the world.
The IUFoST Regional Groups are EFFoST (Europe), ALACCTA (Latin America), WAAFoST (West Africa), and FIFSTA (Southeast Asia), and are an integral part of the organization. The Standing Committee and Special Interest Groups implement the IUFoST Constitution and are under the authority of the General Assembly.
General Assembly
The General Assembly develops and oversees the activities and policies of IUFoST. Its responsibilities include making decisions on international cooperation, activities, and scientific programs; approving the methods of financing IUFoST activities and reporting on expenses; developing rules and procedures for the management of IUFoST activities, electing officers; resolutions of the Governing Board of the General Assembly on scientific and technical cooperation are adopted after a majority vote of its members present. These resolutions are advisory in nature to the Representative Committees and may be adapted to the law, conditions, and capabilities of a particular country.
Each member country has a certain number of delegates to the General Assembly according to their annual contributions. If a delegate is unable to attend a meeting, a proxy delegate is appointed in his place. The Governing Board has the right to admit the Representative Council to attend without voting rights and without payment of fees.
The General Assembly holds regular meetings, which take the form of international congresses on food science and technology sponsored by the Union.
About IUFoST
The Scientific Council is an independent structure from the Governing Council and the Commission. Its members are appointed by the International Academy and elected by the General Assembly. Its function is to approve scientific standards and guide the activities of the IUFoST Union. The Scientific Council recommends the establishment of special working groups, gives advice on scientific programs and recommended participants for the Congress.