The Science Council and SACs, supported by Joint Expert Groups (JEGs), provide independent expert advice and challenge on FSA science strategy, risk assessment and in ensuring that policy decisions are based on the most up-to-date science and evidence. They cover issues such as novel foods, toxicity, animal feed, pathogens, pesticides and social science.
“I’m pleased to welcome our new members to the FSA’s independent Scientific Advisory Committees. The FSA’s work is grounded in science and evidence, and the breadth of expertise these members bring will further strengthen that foundation. These committees play a crucial role in maintaining public trust in the food we eat, and we are grateful for the valuable skills they contribute to support us in upholding high food standards.”
Professor Susan Jebb, Chair of the FSA
“Science is at the heart of everything we do at the FSA, and our Scientific Advisory Committees are critical in ensuring the safety of our complex food system. Their role is invaluable to the FSA – providing rigorous scientific analysis, expert advice on food safety and standards, and strategic foresight in addressing emerging challenges. I am delighted to welcome the new members to all of our committees today, and very much look forward to working closely with them over the coming months.”
Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Adviser at the FSA
The new appointments are:
Science Council
- Professor Steven Cummins – Head of the Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Co-Director of the Population Health Innovation Lab and Principal Investigator of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine’s membership of the NIHR School for Public Health Research – London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Advisory Committee for Social Science
- Professor Eleonora Fichera – Reader in Economics – University of Bath
- Dr Rounaq Nayak – Senior Lecturer in Farming Systems – University of the West of England Bristol
- Professor Luca Panzone – Reader in Environmental Economics – Newcastle University
- Dr Raymond Obayi – Lecturer in Project, Operations and Supply Chain Management – University of Manchester
Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food
- Chair – Mr Alec Kyriakides – Independent Food Safety Consultant
- Dr Fahad Ahmed – Lecturer in Veterinary Public Health and Food Regulation – Ulster University
- Professor Muna F. Anjum – Bacterial Characterisation Workgroup Leader and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Lead – Animal and Plant Health Agency
- Professor Alasdair Cook – Veterinary Epidemiologist
Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes
- Professor Paul Haggarty – Deputy Director, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health – University of Aberdeen
- Professor Alastair Macrae – Senior Lecturer in Farm Animal Health and Production, and Head of the Dairy Herd Health and Productivity Service at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies – University of Edinburgh
- Professor Gunter Kuhnle – Professor of Nutrition at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health – University of Aberdeen
The Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment
- Chair – Rev Professor Lesley Stanley – Visiting Professor in Toxicology – Edinburgh Napier University
- Dr Tarek Abdelghany – Lecturer of Pharmacology and Physiology – University of Aberdeen and visiting Lecturer – Newcastle University and Cairo University
- Dr Michelle Bingham – Senior Lecturer at the School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine – University of Glasgow
- Professor Qasim Chaudhry – visiting Professor – University of Chester
- Dr Bryony Ross – Principal Toxicologist & Team Leader for Human Safety – Blue Frog Scientific Group of Companies
- Professor Martin Clift – Professor of Particle and Fibre Toxicology – Swansea University Medical School
- Dr Antonio Peña-Fernández – Lecturer in Forensic Toxicology and Legal Medicine – University of Alcalá and an Honorary Associate Professor in Toxicology and Medical Sciences – De Montfort University
- Dr Aravindan Veraiah – Director of the National Poisons Information Service Edinburgh, and a Consultant in Acute Medicine and Toxicology – Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs
- Dr Barry Bradford – Lecturer and research lead – The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies – The University of Edinburgh.
- Dr Carla Viegas – Full Professor and Researcher – Lisbon School of Health Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon
The Joint Expert Group on Additives, Enzymes and other regulated products
- Dr Stuart Adam – Science Lead for Food Contaminants – Fera
- Dr William Peveler – Senior Lecturer – University of Glasgow
- Dr Malcolm Driffield – Managing Scientist in the Chemical Regulation and Food Safety Team – Exponent International LTD
- Dr Sara Beverley – Principal Sales Application Chemist – Waters Corporation
The recruitment exercise was conducted through open competition. New members have been appointed for initial terms of three years.
