“TO FULFILL HUMAN NEEDS FOR A QUALITY FOOD SUPPLY THROUGH SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION.“
This is the mission of the Southern California Institute of Food Technologists Section, and of its members. In keeping with this mission, SCIFTS is proud to bring you the latest advance in OUR journey toward its fulfillment.
MAY DINNER MEETING
| Date | May 20, 2026 |
| Location | Anaheim Hills Golf Course 6501 Nohl Ranch Rd. Anaheim, CA 92807 Directions |
| Time | 4:30 p.m. – Executive Meeting 5:30 p.m. – Social Time 6:30 p.m. – Dinner and Presentation |
| Speaker | Debra K.W. Topham, MS, CNS 2026 Distinguished Achievement Awardee |
| Topic | WHEN BLOOD IS VEGAN AND CUCUMBERS AREN’T Tales from a Diva of Detail |
Debra K.W. Topham, MS, CNS
The Southern California Institute of Food Technologists Section honors Debra K.W. Topham, MS, CNS, with its 2026 Distinguished Achievement Award. Ms. Topham was nominated by peers and selected by SCIFTS for her dedication, unique service to SCIFTS & national IFT, and supreme effort on behalf of the food industry and its related businesses. This yearly award honors an individual who has provided continuing and meritorious service to the food science and technology industry, particularly in the southwest United States.
Join Debra Topham for a montage of tales from her world of navigating regulatory and nutrition science. Let’s appreciate the perspective and levity of fact-checking, due diligence, and science education from a “Diva of Detail”.
In addition to interpreting complex regulations, Debra generously shares her vast knowledge by contributing to organizations like SCIFTS and educating young professionals.
In these tales she’ll share moments that have shaped her inquisitive career in foods and supplements. Most surprising to her? knowledge bank, her boutique consulting business, thrives on this quest for details.
| Dinner Meeting | Price |
|---|---|
| Member with Reservation: | $40.00 |
| Emeritus Member with Reservation: | $25.00 |
| Student Member with Reservation: | $25.00 |
| Non-Member with Reservation: | $50.00 |
$5.00 Discount with Cash/Check Payment at Door
MEMBERSHIP:
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), the national organization, was founded in 1939 as a non-profit society. Today, this proactive scientific and educational organization has over 13,000 members working in food science, technology, nutrition and related professions in industry, academia and government. As the authoritative voice of food science and technology, IFT brings sound science to the public discussion of food issues.
The Southern California Institute of Food Technologists (SCIFTS) is one of the largest sections of the international society of professional food personnel involved or interested in any of the various aspects of the field of food.
Whether you are a food technologist, researcher, scientist, engineer, executive, administrator, educator, author, marketer, consultant, student, or salesperson, there is a place for you in this multi-faceted organization.
SUBSCRIBER:
If you are not a member of IFT, but wish to receive the SCIFTS Newsletter, purchase an annual subscription. and receive the 10 issue annual newsletter.
Subscription Costs:
- $ 25.00 – Regular subscription
- $ 20.00 – Senior subscription (65+ years old)
- $ 15.00 – Student subscription
Subscribers will also receive special pricing at local SCIFTS events.
Dinner Meetings:
Non-Member Dinner Price is $50.00*
Subscribers will receive a discount on the Non-Member Dinner Meeting price as follows:
- Regular – discount of $10.00 (Subscriber price $40.00*)
- Senior 65+ – discount of $25.00 (Subscriber price $25.00*)
- Student – discount of $25.00 (Subscriber price $25.00*)
*$5.00 Discount with Cash/Check Payment at Door