Appointment of new chair for the food standards agency – Fishupdate.com

Appointment of new chair for the food standards agency Published:  04 April, 2005

DAME Deirdre Hutton has been appointed Chair of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), it was announced last week.

Making the announcement John Reid, Secretary of State for Health, said: “This is an extremely challenging role. The post requires considerable energy, leadership and communication skills, combined with a strong intellect, scientific literacy and an understanding of the complex and challenging external environment within which the Agency operates.

“I am delighted that Deirdre Hutton is taking on this role. She brings with her considerable experience of corporate governance and risk-based regulation and a very well developed understanding of consumer related issues. She has demonstrated her wide ranging skills in her work with the European Food Safety Authority and as Chair of the Foresight Panel where she worked on the Food Chain and Crops for Industry.

“I believe these skills, her clear sense of direction and strength of leadership will be invaluable to the Agency as it moves into this new phase.”

Dame Deirdre Hutton said: “I am delighted to be taking on this challenge. Sir John Krebs has successfully established the Agency as an independent voice, firmly based on sound science, which puts the interests of consumers first.

“The Agency is now entering a new phase. Diet, health and public protection are central to our aspirations. That will continue to develop according to the scientific and evidence base. My priority will be to take forward government, consumers and the food industry in partnership so that we can succeed together. I look forward to listening to all of our stakeholders on how best we can do that in the public interest.”

Dame Hutton is currently deputy chair of the Financial Services Authority, a member of the Better Regulation Task Force, chair of the National Consumer Council and deputy chair of the European Food Safety Authority. Sir John Krebs leaves the Agency on 10 April and Dame Deirdre Hutton will take up her new position in late July.

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish European Fish Trader, Fishing Monthly, Fish Farming Today, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Fishermens’ Federation Diary, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.