The Directors, Staff and Members of the International Food Information Council follow these Guiding Principles in our work on behalf of IFIC:

1. Upholding Our Mission: We effectively communicate science-based information about food safety and nutrition to health and nutrition professionals, educators, government officials, journalists and consumers.

2. Science-Based: We summarize and communicate the totality of the science.  Our communications reflect the state of the science.

3. Insight:  We believe that credible science and consumer insights are the key drivers of food and nutrition policy.  We commission research on consumer and opinion leader attitudes to uncover these insights.  Our research follows accepted methodologies, which we disclose in every report we publish.

4. Foresight: We identify emerging trends, forecast, and build awareness of global issues and their implications on stakeholder priorities.

5. Dialogue: We respect diverse perspectives, and we convene divergent views to improve understanding among stakeholders.

6. Accuracy:  We commit to be accurate, clear, unbiased and honest in our reporting on health, nutrition and food safety issues and present information in complete context of the science.

7. Non-Commercial: We do not speak for or represent any company, industry, product or brand. We do not endorse products or accept advertising.

8. Non-Political: We are nonpartisan and do not endorse any political party, elected official, or candidate for elective office.  We do not provide contributions to political campaigns, hold fundraisers, or have a Political Action Committee (PAC). We do not lobby or advocate for legislation or regulations.

9. Transparency: We are transparent about the sources of our funding and our partnerships.

10. Disclosure: We require all IFIC representatives to acknowledge their professional affiliation when participating in any public dialogue.

11. Credentialed Experts: We refer the news media to credentialed health professionals, academic experts and others.  To ensure their independence, we do not pay experts for speaking with the media or approve their comments.  

12. Innovative Change: We adapt to a changing global environment with an emphasis on innovation.