The National Confectioners Association has named Farida Mohamedshah as the association’s new senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs. 

Mohamedshah will begin her position on Oct. 6, succeeding NCA staff member Dr. Debra Miller. She will oversee the association’s relationships with industry regulators and provide the association and its member companies with timely information on nutrition, food safety and other regulations that impact confectionery manufacturing, distribution and sales.

“Farida will be an immense asset to NCA and our member companies as we continue to navigate the changing regulatory landscape for the confectionery industry,” said John Downs, NCA president and CEO. “The COVID-19 pandemic has only underscored the need for policies rooted in sound science. Farida’s knowledge and experience will be critical in helping NCA develop advocacy positions in the areas of food safety, food labeling and nutrition policy and helping our members to be compliant with current and proposed regulations.”

Before joining NCA, Mohamedshah was the director of food, health and nutrition at the Institute of Food Technologists, serving as IFT’s principal scientific and technical resource on these issues. She has published papers in the fields of nutrition and food science, and she is a member of the American Society for Nutrition and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. As a nutritionist, she worked on a GRAS dossier and reviews for health and structure-function claims for nutrients and bioactive components.

Mohamedshah has received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics, a Master of Science degree in textile chemistry and clothing from the University of Bombay, and a Master of Science degree in human nutrition and food systems from the University of Maryland. She lives with her husband in Fairfax, Virginia.