
The new Interim Chair of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been announced as Dr Ruth Hussey CB, OBE, DL. She takes up the post from 1st February 2021 for up to 3 months whilst the Chair recruitment is concluded.
Dr Hussey previously served as a Board Member of the FSA in Wales and the Welsh Food Advisory Committee from 2016 before being appointed Deputy Chair of the FSA in July 2020. She also had a successful career in Public Health which culminated in her role as the Chief Medical Officer for Wales. Prior to that she worked in local and regional public health in England and as part of the Department of Health Public Health Transition Team at Whitehall.
Dr Hussey said, “I am delighted to be able to step into this new role. The FSA is a progressive and effective organisation which works in an evidence based and transparent way. As the food system continues to evolve, I will strive to ensure that food safety and public health continues to be protected with confidence. I look forward to working with my fellow Board members to continue to protect consumers’ interests in relation to food.”
Heather Hancock, the current Chair, stands down as Chair at the end of January 2021 having been elected the master of St John’s College, Cambridge. Heather served as Deputy Chair from 2015 until being appointed Chair of the Board in 2016.