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PARIS, 1st July 2021 — The Global Food Safety Initiative is delighted to announce the official launch of the GFSI Science and Technology Advisory Group (STAG). STAG, introduced as part of a series of collaborative enhancements of the oversight of the GFSI ecosystem since it became a Coalition of Action of The Consumer Goods Forum in March 2020, will assume the important responsibility to provide GFSI with an expert independent outlook on any science and technology developments that may impact GFSI’s food safety activities.
GFSI is also privileged to announce the appointment of David Crean as Chair of the newly-formed group.
David recently retired from Mars, Incorporated, where he led an impressive career that concluded with the roles of Vice President of Corporate R&D and Chief Science Officer. David brings his great experience to the role and will help enable the creation of the bridge between the scientific world and the food industry via his remarkable network in academia.
Reflecting on his appointment, David said, “This group will tackle the thorny questions and opportunities posed by the latest science and technology in the context of the challenges facing the world today to help businesses, and indeed all those interested in food safety, understand how to better fulfil the GFSI mission of safe food for people everywhere – an obvious and essential objective. I can hear the advice of a much-respected ex-boss ringing in my ears – ‘Don’t screw it up’. Wise words. We will look to create a wide-reaching and transparent network worthy of contributing to the challenge of achieving safe food for all “.
Marie-Claude Quentin, Senior Technical Manager for GFSI, said, “Science is a cornerstone of decision making and risk assessment in food safety at large, and for GFSI it was essential to establish such a group as we will to improve our level of impact. STAG will be instrumental in ensuring GFSI continues to debate and help define the future of food safety, and remain relevant to an industry continuously evolving”.
GFSI will be calling for volunteers to join STAG and support its mission in the coming days, so stay tuned for more details.
GFSI Director Erica Sheward said, “It is a privilege and a pleasure to welcome David to the GFSI community to assist us in leading such a vital group. The establishment of STAG and the formal appointment of David as Chair is yet one more exciting step forward in a series of transformational changes we are making at GFSI to drive greater impact”.
Dave will be featuring in the next edition of the GFSI Podcast Series for those interested in learning more about what he has to say about the group and his appointment.
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