Food for Health Workshop

Fresh Perspectives on Highly Processed Foods and Health:
Global Evidence and Challenges

Workshop Overview

Highly Processed Foods (HPFs)* make up a substantial share of the North American diet, contributing nearly half of total energy intakes in Canada. Research on HPFs and health outcomes has expanded rapidly, yet evidence remains complex and evolving. Building on discussions initiated at the Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) 2021 Food for Health Workshop, the 2026 Food for Health Workshop will bring together experts from research, policy, healthcare, and industry to examine the latest findings, challenges, perspectives on reformulation, dietary guidance, and implications for health inequities.

The 2026 Food for Health Workshop - Fresh Perspectives on Highly Processed Foods and Health: Global Evidence and Challenges will explore the nutritional and health impacts of HPF (also often referred to as ultra-processed foods), examine the science of ingredients from a processing perspective, and consider regulatory frameworks that shape labeling, reformulation, dietary guidelines, and implications for health equity. Cultural and global dietary practices and sustainability will be highlighted to ensure that resulting discussions are inclusive, relevant, and evidence-based.

This workshop is designed to be engaging, including opportunities to participate in live polls and dedicated time for interactive discussions and debate.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Summarize current evidence on the associations between HPFs and chronic disease risk, and identify key research gaps.
• Discuss how different definitions and classification systems for UPFs influence scientific interpretation, dietary guidance, and communication.
• Examine regulatory and policy considerations shaping HPF labeling, formulation, and public health recommendations.
• Evaluate the role of food processing and innovations in balancing nutritional quality, functionality, and sustainability.
• Integrate scientific, policy, and industry perspectives to identify consensus areas and priorities for future research and practice.

* For consistency with the Canada’s Food Guide 2019, highly processed foods (UPFs) is the terminology used to describe foods that are otherwise most often considered as ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

To learn more about previous Food for Health workshops - CLICK HERE

The 2026 Pre-Conference Food for Health Workshop registration can be purchased as an add-on to the general conference registration. It will have a virtual/livestream registration option, as well as an in-person/on-site one. You will be asked to choose which registration option applies to you during the online registration process. Virtual/livestream registration fees include a "real-time" livestream of the entire pre-conference workshop - speaker presentations, panels, and opening and closing remarks - along with opportunities to submit questions during the live Q&A. In-person/on-site registration fees include the full workshop program, lunch, and refreshment breaks. 

Registration    

Program

Draft schedule; subject to change.  All times ADT (Atlantic time).  Food for Health pre-conference workshop registration can be purchased as an add-on to the general conference registration.

To register, please use our secure server.   Click below for registration information. 
 

Registration