Food safety watchdog boss to step down

Rooker said: “When I joined the FSA, I said that I was excited to be joining an organisation that puts sound science at the heart of what it does and places the interests of consumers first. I am proud that we have stayed true to those principles.”​

During his final seven months with the agency Rooker pledged to focus on two priorities. The first priority was working to encourage all local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to use the Food Hygiene Rating scheme and in Scotland the Food Hygiene Information Scheme.

Scottish government ​

His second priority is to work closely with the Scottish government towards its goal of creating a new food body for Scotland. “That process will take some time, but it is vital that the interests of consumers in Scotland continue to be protected during the transition. I will ensure that happens,”​ he said.

Rooker’s successor will be appointed by the secretary of state for health. Details of the recruitment process for a new chair for the Agency will be released in the New Year.