Dr Andrew Wadge to be new Director of Food Safety Policy of Food Standards Agency

Thursday 21 August 2003

Ref: 2003/0401

Dr Jon Bell, chief executive of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), has today announced the appointment of Dr Andrew Wadge as the Agency's new Director of Food Safety Policy. Dr Wadge has been acting Director in this post since February and was previously Head of the Agency's Chemical Safety and Toxicology Division.

Dr Bell said: 'I am very pleased to announce the permanent appointment of Dr Andrew Wadge as the Agency's Director of Food Safety Policy following an open recruitment process.

'He has a wealth of experience in the field of food safety, with particular expertise in the toxicology of food chemicals, food additives and contact materials.

'Since joining the Agency in April 2000, Dr Wadge's commitment and judgement has been an important factor in the development and success of the FSA in its first three years.

'And I am confident that under his direction the Agency's food safety policy will continue to ensure consumers' interests and safety remain paramount.'

Dr Wadge started his career working in academic research laboratories and Westminster Medical School, gaining a PhD from King's College London in 1985.

He has been a government scientist since 1986 holding posts in the Department of Health, including work on the health effects of environmental pollution and then leading the Food Chemical Safety Unit with responsibility for the secretariat to the independent expert Committee on Toxicity.