Catherine Adams Hutt, Ph.D., RD, Principal, RdR Solutions Consulting; LLC/Chief Science and Regulatory Officer, Sloan Trends

With experience in the public and private sectors, Dr. Adams Hutt provides advice and guidance on a wide range of topics. Catherine has senior experience in regulatory compliance, food safety, quality systems management, supply chain, health and wellness, business strategy, product development, and software solutions for management of quality and product development processes.
Catherine was formerly Chief Quality, Food Safety, and Nutrition Officer for McDonald’s Corporation and led Supplier and Restaurant Food Safety teams for YUM! Brands. She was Chief Quality Officer for Coors Brewing Company, led the North America Quality team at H.J. Heinz, and developed next generation Quality programs for the Campbell Soup Company. Catherine was Assistant Administrator for the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) where she led the development of HACCP as a regulatory tool. Dr. Adams Hutt has been an active participant in international programs, and led the U.S Delegation for the Codex Food Hygiene Committee. Catherine is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Food Scientist.
Chief Science and Regulatory Officer, Sloan Trends
Catherine partners with Elizabeth Sloan and Sloan Trends to create business strategy advice for Fortune 500 businesses in the food and dietary supplement categories. Sloan Trends examines consumer trends using unique predictive tools to identify emerging mega markets. They help businesses better understand the market and differentiate long-term business opportunities from short-term trends. Catherine compliments the trend analysis with in-depth investigations of the science behind the issues and regulatory considerations.
Catherine owns and operates a working horse and cattle ranch in Texas, where she raises Quarter Horses and registered Angus cattle. She competes in cutting horse competitions and owns Thoroughbred race horses. The ranch uses wind energy.
Honors and Certifications include:
Graduation from Pennsylvania State University with Highest Distinction (First in Class) (1979)
US Federal Government, Senior Executive Service (1990)
Distinguished Alumnus, Pennsylvania State University College of Agriculture (1995)
Fellow, Pennsylvania State University (2008)
Fellow, Institute of Food Technologists (2009)
Member, Cosmos Club (inducted 2011)
Major Professional Activities:
Faculty Member, 4th Annual Global Food Law and Policy Summer Academy, Italy
Member, American Heart Association Better Diet Business Committee
Member, Cosmos Club, Washington, DC
Owner, Rancho di Rialto – a working horse and cattle ranch in Aubrey, Texas
Member, Advisory Board, Greenonyx, LLC
Delegate, Conference for Food Protection (CFP), Council III (2012 & 2014)
Past-Chair, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Food Laws and Regulations Division
Global Food Forums Presentations by Speaker
2015 Clean Label Conference
“Naturally Speaking.” What Regulators and Consumers Want You to Know
While there may not be a regulatory definition for the term “natural,” various factions have expectations. Consumers, both retail and foodservice, also have expectations as they decide which foods they will buy. “Natural” and “clean label” are perceived to be key benefits. The use of the term “natural” in marketing will be examined and appropriate and inappropriate uses will be presented. Directions for appealing to consumers while staying within the lines for regulatory compliance will be provided.