Queen’s University professor to lead government’s horsemeat review
Professor Chris Elliott from Queen’s University Belfast will lead a year-long independent review of Britain’s supply chain launched in the wake of the horsemeat scandal.
Environment secretary Owen Paterson made the announcement in a written ministerial statement on June 4.
“We have since concluded that the review should examine food supply networks more widely,” said Paterson. “We have therefore asked Professor Elliott to provide advice to me and my Right Honourable friend, the Secretary of State for Health, on issues which impact upon consumer confidence in the authenticity of food products and any systemic failures in food supply networks which could have implications for food safety and public health.”
It is expected that the review will take nine to 12 months to complete. Elliott will provide interim advice in December and produce his final report by spring 2014.
Elliott said he was “delighted” to of been asked to lead the review.
Professor Elliot said: “I am delighted that I have been asked to lead this review. I look forward to working with all those responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of our food supply. Our shared challenge is to prove to the public that they can trust the systems that put food on their plate.”