UK – Professor Susan Jebb, one of the UK’s leading scientists has been confirmed as the new chair of the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) following a public pre-appointment scrutiny hearing in line with parliamentary procedures.
Jebb will take on the role from 1 July for three years, allowing Ruth Hussey – who has acted interim chair over the last few months following the departure of Heather Hancock – to return to her role as deputy chair.
Susan, a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, comes to the role with a wealth of experience and expertise having served in a number of high-level boards on food nutrition and safety.
She has previously chaired the cross-government expert advisory group on obesity (2007–2011), the Department of Health responsibility deal food network (2011–2015) and public health advisory committees for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2013-2018).
According to a statement by FSA, Susan has a long-standing interest in the translation of scientific evidence into policy.
She was the Science Advisor to the Government Office for Science Foresight report on obesity in 2007 and is currently an advisor to the National Food Strategy.
Prof. Jebb has also recently conducted research has focused on the treatment of obesity and interventions to encourage healthy and sustainable diets.
Commenting on the appointment, Prof. Jebb said: “I am delighted to be appointed to Chair the Food Standards Agency.
“This is an important time for our food system, and I am looking forward to building on the trust that government has placed in the FSA to play a full and active role in the challenges which lie ahead.”
FSA said Susan will continue with a part-time appointment at the University of Oxford alongside the role as Chair of FSA.
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