New CEO for Food Safety Authority

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today announced that Dr John O'Brien has been appointed Chief Executive and will take up office in June 2004.

Dr O'Brien is currently Director of Corporate Scientific Affairs at Danone and head of the Danone Food Safety Centre based in Paris.

Originally from Cork, Dr O'Brien's previous posts have included lecturer in food chemistry at UCC, and lecturer in food safety and toxicology at the University of Surrey.

Commenting on the announcement Dr Daniel O'Hare, Chairman of the FSAI said: "Dr O'Brien brings a unique wealth of food safety knowledge, combined with senior management and organisational experience in an international context.

"He will add immensely to our collective experience and will lead our food safety team with a common purpose of protecting consumer health in relation to food."