Dr. Elisabeth Hagen was appointed today as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Food Safety. In making the appointment, President Obama has selected a veteran USDA official that has been instrumental in building relationships and fostering coordination with food safety and public health partners at the federal, state, and local level.
Dr. Hagen most recently served as the USDA’s Chief Medical Officer. She has also been a senior executive at the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), where she played a key role in developing and executing the agency's scientific and public health agendas. She is also a graduate of Harvard Medical School and a board certified expert in infectious disease.
"On behalf of National Meat Association, I would like to congratulate Dr. Hagen on her appointment to the Under Secretary position vacant since 2008. Dr. Hagen brings such a wealth of knowledge that we are confident she will quickly and effectively take charge of the Agency’s policy development team. I personally look forward to working with her towards our mutual goals of food safety and to continuing NMA’s good working relationship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said NMA CEO Barry Carpenter.
Dr. Hagen’s appointment was one of four “recess appointments” made today by the President. Dr. Hagen will remain Under Secretary until the next session of Congress convenes, unless she receives approval by the full Senate in the interim.
National Meat Association is a non-profit trade association. Since 1946, NMA has represented meat packers and processors, equipment manufacturers and food suppliers who provide services to the meat industry. The association has members throughout the United States, as well as in Canada, Australia and Mexico.
Source: National Meat Association