FSA chief executive contract extended

Jeff Rooker, Chair of the Food Standards Agency, has announced that Chief Executive Tim Smith has agreed to an extension of his contract until the end of October 2012, by when a successor is expected to have been appointed. His existing contract comes to an end on 16 March 2012, after four years.

Lord Rooker commented: ‘During his four years at the FSA, Tim has made tremendous improvements to the Agency’s effectiveness and efficiency in both protecting consumer safety in relation to food and in regulating our vital food industry. I am delighted he has agreed to continue as we recruit his successor.’

Tim Smith said: ‘Running the FSA has been the most rewarding job in my career in the food sector. I am proud that this Agency plays such an essential role in protecting the public – with effective and proportionate regulation, and the provision of clear information to consumers on safe food and healthy eating. It is a privilege to work with so many very able, dedicated colleagues whether on the science, the policy development or the operational delivery of food safety.’