Former Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) CEO Mr Steve McCutcheon has been appointed to the role of acting FSANZ Board Chair following the term completed by Ms Robyn Kruk AO.
Mr McCutcheon will undertake the role while a recruitment process for a substantive Chair is completed.
Ms Kruk led the FSANZ Board as Chair from November 2016 to March 2021.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services and Minister for Sport Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck has welcomed Mr McCutcheon to the role.
"Today, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Steve McCutcheon as Acting Chair of FSANZ.
"Steve McCutcheon was previously the Chief Executive Officer of FSANZ from 2007 to 2017 and has experience in public administration, animal and plant health, banking and finance, with qualifications in economics and law.
"Mr McCutcheon's knowledge of the operations and core business of FSANZ will be beneficial in ensuring a seamless transition."
Food Standards Australia New Zealand CEO Mark Booth said Mr McCutcheon is highly regarded among sectoral stakeholders.
"As a former FSANZ CEO, Mr McCutcheon brings to the Chair role a wealth of experience and knowledge about FSANZ operations and its core role in developing standards for the national food regulatory system," Mr Booth said.
"I look forward to working with him to advance key FSANZ and government priorities in coming months."
FSANZ is a trans-Tasman agency that develops Australia and New Zealand food standards and is governed by a Board of 12 members.
The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code regulates the use of ingredients, processing aids, colourings, additives and vitamins and minerals and covers the composition of some foods, such as dairy, meat and beverages.
The Food Standards Code also includes some labelling requirements for packaged and unpackaged food, such as specific mandatory warnings or advisory labels.
Minister Colbeck thanked outgoing FSANZ Board Chair Ms Robyn Kruk AO for her guidance and leadership.
"Ms Kruk has played a vital role in delivering robust food standards to ensure the ongoing safety and quality of the food supply in Australia and New Zealand," Minister Colbeck said.
"The Australian Government thanks Ms Kruk for her service and wishes her future success."
