Food Standards Scotland appoints first chief scientific adviser
Food Standards Scotland has appointed Professor Norval Strachan as its first chief scientific adviser.
Having taken up the position at the end of April, Strachan currently holds a Chair in Physics at the University of Aberdeen specialising in foodborne illnesses such as E. coli O157, campylobacter, salmonella and listeria.
At Food Standards Scotland, he will be responsible for the delivery of the principle roles for science within FSS, from commissioning and evaluating research to communicating scientific and risk advice.
Strachan was appointed by FSS’s chief executive Geoff Ogle and will act as head of profession for scientists within FSS. He will work to develop a “robust” science and evidence strategy for the organisation and will provide advice to Ogle and the FSS board.
Ogle said: “One of our key priorities is protecting consumers in Scotland from the risks of foodborne illness, and I am confident that Norval’s expertise, knowledge and experience will help to ensure the safety of Scotland’s food, and deliver wider scientific input in our key priority areas such as diet and nutrition.
“It’s a privilege to have someone of Norval’s calibre on board to support us in delivering a food and drink environment in Scotland that benefits, protects and is trusted by consumers.”
