The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has appointed Dr Ciara Walsh as Chief Specialist in Food Science and Technology, reinforcing the organisation's scientific capacity across key areas including food allergens, novel foods, food fraud, and emerging risks.

Business Plus reported that Dr Walsh will lead and develop the FSAI's multidisciplinary food science and technology team, with a focus on consumer health protection through the development of scientific and technical support for food inspection and the wider food industry.

Dr Walsh brings over 25 years of experience across academia, research, and regulatory environments. The appointment marks a return to the FSAI, where she previously worked for seven years in biotechnology. Most recently, she served as Senior Engagement Manager in Food and Health at Technological University Dublin, where she led a number of strategic university initiatives.

Her prior experience also includes three years as a Newman Postdoctoral Scholar at the Centre for Food Safety in University College Dublin and four years as a Walsh PhD Fellow in Teagasc, Ashtown.

In the role, Dr Walsh will engage with government departments including the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as well as representing the FSAI at national, EU, and international meetings.

Greg Dempsey, chief executive of the FSAI, said: "Ciara brings extensive experience across food science, research and regulation, which will support the FSAI's work in protecting consumer health and ensuring compliance within an increasingly complex food regulatory environment."

Dempsey added that her experience across academia, state agencies, and the food industry would support the organisation's work in key areas such as novel foods, food allergens, food fraud, and emerging risks.

Explore the complete coverage for further context on the appointment and the FSAI's regulatory priorities.