New head for food regulators

The food regulatory authority Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) will have a new chief executive officer, Stephen McCutcheon, commencing on 29 October 2007.

"Mr McCutcheon has an excellent record in working with multiple jurisdictions across a variety of complex and difficult matters," said the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Brett Mason, when he announced McCutcheon's appointment.

Mason said McCutcheon's skills and experience would strategically guide the organisation in managing increasingly complex food regulatory issues brought about by new technologies and consumer expectations.

"Further, he has a good understanding of the need to maintain public confidence in the food supply system through the adequate protection of public health while facilitating innovation and technological advances in the food industry."

The FSANZ board chairman, Rob Knowles, said the board selected Mr McCutcheon for his demonstrable expertise in science, industry and public health consumer matters.

"The board is looking forward to working with Mr McCutcheon, who already has detailed knowledge and understanding of the food regulatory system and a proven track record as a sound manager of an organisation of similar size in personnel and budget to FSANZ," said Knowles.