Webinar description

Join GFI and the FDA for a seminar on how to navigate the agency’s pre-market food ingredient evaluation programs, including the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) Notification Program, and the food and color additive petition programs. During this webinar, you’ll hear directly from the FDA about:

  • The Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) as it pertains to ingredients added to conventional food
  • An understanding of the pre-market review processes for food and color additive petitions (FAPs and CAPs), including timelines and FDA’s safety review of FAPs and CAPs
  • An understanding of GRAS and FDA’s GRAS Notification Program, including an understanding of what GRAS means, common misconceptions about GRAS, and an overview of the GRAS Notification Program, including timelines and FDA’s safety evaluation of GRAS notices
  • The “how, when, and whys” of engaging with FDA regarding your food ingredient
  • Frequently asked questions

Meet the speaker

Headshot shice modified

Stephanie (Stiffy) A. Hice, Ph.D.

Regulatory Review Scientist and Microbiology Reviewer, Division of Food Ingredients, Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Dr. Stiffy Hice received their BS in Biological Science, with minors in Printmaking and Psychology, from the University of Tulsa in 2014; and their PhD in Food Science and Technology with a certificate in Food Safety and Defense from Iowa State University in 2019. After graduating from Iowa State University, Dr. Hice joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019 as a Regulatory Review Scientist and Microbiology Reviewer in the Division of Food Ingredients (DFI) within the Office of Food Additive Safety (OFAS). Dr. Hice has managed the review of numerous Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notices—with particular emphasis on microbial-derived ingredients, bacteriophage preparations and live microbial cultures—as well as approval of direct food additive and color additive petitions that have been submitted to the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) at FDA. As a Regulatory Review Scientist, one of Dr. Hice’s primary duties is managing both GRAS evaluation teams and petition review teams. Many submissions have robust regulatory and scientific considerations, which must be evaluated to: (1) issue a response letter regarding the safety conclusions made by the submitter of a GRAS notice, or (2) approve a food or color additive in response to a petition. As a Microbiology Reviewer, Dr. Hice is charged with evaluating the microbiological safety of ingredients intended for use in conventional foods. Dr. Hice is also a member of several workgroups, including the Cultured Meat Premarket Consultation Working Group and the DFI Infant Formula Working Group.

Upcoming events

View all events
Https://gfi. Org/wp content/uploads/2025/10/sci25058 soap webinar graphics november header featured
Virtual Event

The Science of Alt Protein: Application-driven design of plant protein gels

Discover how application-driven design of plant protein gels can unlock new possibilities in texture, mouthfeel, and nutrition.

An illustration of the globe with two hands reaching towards one another.  third party event featured image.
Virtual Event

New Proteins webinar

Join GFI’s Abby Sewell for a look at how hybrid and diversified protein strategies are shaping the future of food.

An illustration of the globe with two hands reaching towards one another.  third party event featured image.
Tuskegee University

Future of Food: Engaging Agriculture and Education in the Protein Transition

GFI’s Jeremy Eltz and Janie Butler are heading to Tuskegee to lead a dynamic workshop at the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference.

Https://gfi. Org/wp content/uploads/2025/11/sci25060 boap webinar graphics november header featured
Virtual Event

The Business of Alt Protein: Green Financing for Alternative Proteins—Introducing the Climate Bonds Alternative Proteins Criteria

Join GFI’s next Business of Alt Protein webinar featuring a deep dive on the Climate Bonds Initiative’s new Alternative Proteins Criteria.

An illustration of the globe with two hands reaching towards one another.  third party event featured image.
Javits Center

Plant Based World Expo

Join GFI’s Corporate Engagement Manager Abby Sewell at Plant Based World Expo, the only professional 100% plant-based trade event in the U.S.

An illustrative graphic of a microscope on a stack of books

The 7th Industrializing Cultivated Meat & Seafood Summit

GFI’s Elliot Swartz, Ph.D., will share insights at the 7th Industrializing Cultivated Meat & Seafood Summit in Boston. Join Elliot and other experts as they discuss R&D innovations that can…

Https://gfi. Org/wp content/uploads/2025/09/sci25055 ap pipeline webinar graphics october header featured
Virtual Event

Alt Protein Pipelines: Training for commercialization with production facility partnerships

Join us to explore an innovative partnership that is helping students turn classroom learning into commercial-ready innovation.