Dr Ruth Hussey CB, OBE, DL has been appointed as interim chair of the Food Standards Agency from 1st February 2021 for up to three months, in order to allow time for the chair recruitment to conclude.

She will be taking over from Heather Hancock, who will be standing down as chair at the end of January 2021, having been elected the master of St John’s College, Cambridge. Heather served as deputy chair from October 2015 before being appointed chair of the Board in April 2016.

Ruth Hussey said: “I am delighted to be able to step into this new role. The FSA is a progressive and effective organisation which works in an evidence based and transparent way.  As the food system continues to evolve, I will strive to ensure that food safety and public health continues to be protected with confidence. I look forward to working with my fellow Board members to continue to protect consumers’ interests in relation to food.”

Ruth was an FSA Board Member for Wales and chair of the Welsh Food Advisory Committee from 2016 until she was appointed as deputy chair of the Food Standards Agency in July last year.

As well as her work for the FSA, Hussey has had a successful career in public health, culminating in her role as chief medical officer for Wales. Prior to that, she worked in local and regional public health in England and was part of the Public Health Transition Team in the Department of Health, Whitehall.

Ministers are seeking to appoint a permanent chair of the FSA Board. Applications close midday 25th January.

Photograph: Dr Ruth Hussey CB, OBE, DL.