Professor Susan Jebb to step down as Chair of Food Standards Agency

UK – After three years of dedicated service, Professor Susan Jebb has announced her decision to step down from her role as Chair of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) at the end of June 2024.

Professor Jebb, appointed in June 2021, has been a pivotal figure in shaping the FSA’s strategic direction, particularly in addressing pressing public health challenges such as obesity.

With her extensive background in nutrition and public health, she played a significant role in initiatives like the Tackling Obesity Report and served as an advisor on the National Food Strategy.

Reflecting on her tenure, Professor Jebb expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead an organization dedicated to upholding public health standards.

“It has been a huge privilege to be the Chair of a fantastic organization, doing such important work to uphold public health,” she stated.

As she prepares to step down, Professor Jebb remains committed to advancing ongoing reforms within the FSA. Emphasizing the importance of supporting businesses to prioritize food safety and uphold high standards, she highlighted the urgency of the reform program in addressing critical challenges facing the UK food system.

Professor Jebb’s dedication to her role at the FSA was paralleled by her continued leadership of a research team at the University of Oxford, focusing on interventions to prevent and treat obesity.

Hereafter, she expressed her intention to devote her full attention to advancing research efforts in this field.

Succession planning

The selection process for Professor Jebb’s successor will soon commence under the auspices of the UK Government’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The appointment will be made by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in collaboration with counterparts in Wales and Northern Ireland.

In anticipation of the transition, Professor Jebb expressed confidence in the FSA’s continued commitment to its mission, ensuring the safety and integrity of the UK’s food supply.

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