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The UK’s Food Standards Agency has announced the appointment of Ruth Hussey as its interim chair, effective 1 February 2021.

Hussey will hold the role for up to three months, to allow time for the process of recruiting a replacement for current chair Heather Hancock to conclude.

Hancock will be standing down from the position at the end of this month, having been elected the master of St John’s College, Cambridge. She was appointed chair of the FSA board in April 2016.

Hussey 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 FSA in July last year. As part of a career in public health, Hussey has also previously served as Chief Medical Officer for Wales.

“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,” said incoming FSA interim chair, Hussey.

“As the food system continues to evolve, I will strive to ensure that food safety and public health continue 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.”