The American Dietetic Association, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, will change its name effective January 2012 to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Registered dietitian and ADA President Sylvia Escott-Stump announced the name chance at the Opening Session of ADA’s 2011 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in San Diego, CA, in September.

“ADA has been in existence since 1917, after working to feed the troops healthfully during World War I. Protecting the public’s health is the highest priority of ADA and our members, and our new name complements our focus: the nutritional well-being of the American public,” Ms. Escott-Stump said. “The name Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics promotes the strong science background and academic expertise of our members, primarily registered dietitians. Nutrition science underpins wellness, prevention and treatment. An academy is ‘a society of learned persons organized to advance science.’ This term describes our organization and immediately emphasizes the educational strength of our advice and expertise.

“While our name is changing to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, we still have the same mission, the same powerful Eat Right message, and we are still bringing the same quality nutrition advice to the table as we have for nearly 100 years,” she added.  “The field of nutrition has changed over this century, and we’re evolving to meet these needs—as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.”