Jeff Rooker to step down as UK Food Standards Agency Chair

The Food Standards Agency chair, Jeff Rooker, has confirmed that he will step down from his post in July 2013, at the end of his four year contract.

"When I joined the FSA I said that I was excited to be joining an organisation that puts sound science at the heart of what it does and places the interests of consumers first. I am proud that we have stayed true to those principles."​

Rooker said there were two priorities for his remaining time in the role.

"First I would like to see all local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland using the Food Hygiene Rating scheme (FHRS) and in Scotland using the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS). ​

"I’d also like to press the argument that the display of FHRS/FHIS ratings should be made mandatory, as it is likely to be in Wales from 2013.​

"Second we are working closely with the Scottish Government on their goal to create a new food body for Scotland. That process will take some time, but it is vital that the interests of consumers in Scotland continue to be protected during the transition."​