U of G food scientists Rickey Yada and Shai Barbut were recently named fellows of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). The non-profit scientific society works to advance the science of food, food safety and food sustainability.

The annual IFT Fellow awards are a professional distinction given to individuals with outstanding qualifications and experience to recognize their contributions to the food science and technology field.

Barbut was honored for being an internationally recognized authority on meat and food safety, especially poultry further processing, the relationships between microstructure and texture, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems, and fiber optic sensors.

Yada, who holds a Canada Research Chair and is scientific director of the Advanced Foods and Material Network, was recognized as an outstanding international food industry leader who has made impactful contributions to food science research inside the classroom and in the food industry around the world.