The agency tasked with developing food standards across Australia and New Zealand has a new chief executive officer.
Veterinarian Dr Sandra Cuthbert will take the reins of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) following the departure of Adjunct Professor Mark Booth.
A former FSANZ general manager, Dr Cuthbert has experience in both the private and public sectors, across biosecurity, agriculture and food standards.
Senator Richard Colbeck, who has portfolio responsibility for food, said Dr Cuthbert brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the important role of developing standards for Australia’s and New Zealand’s national food regulatory systems.
“Dr Cuthbert will play a key role in advancing FSANZ and government priorities in coming months, delivering robust food standards to ensure the ongoing safety and quality of the food supply in Australia and New Zealand,” Senator Colbeck said.
FSANZ is a trans-Tasman agency that develops Australia’s and New Zealand’s food standards. It is governed by a board of 12 members.
These standards regulate the use of ingredients, processing aids, colourings, additives and vitamins and minerals and covers the composition of some foods, such as dairy, meat and beverages.
They also include some labelling requirements for packaged and unpackaged food, such as specific mandatory warnings or advisory labels.
Dr Cuthbert has served as FSANZ interim CEO since August last year.
Senator Colbeck expressed his thanks to Prof. Booth for his dedication to the role during his tenure.