Food Protection Trends - March 2010 - 178

WhAT’S hAPPENING IN FOOD SAFETY advanced robotic automation and multi-use work-flow processes to help minimize common workplace errors and assure the production of consistent quality results. “The lab’s design allows us to achieve optimum sample flow, meet increases in sample volume, better manage process changes and seamlessly incorporate new testing and technology innovations,” noted Robert Colvin, vice president of operations. Silliker has relocated its staff to the new Salida facility, about eight miles north of its former site in Modesto. at FDA, he oversaw rulemaking to implement the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act and issuance of the proposed rule on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) for seafood. Mr. Taylor also served as administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and acting under secretary for food safety at USDA, spearheading public health-oriented reform of the FSIS, guiding the development of the HACCP rule for meat and poultry products, and addressing the hazard associated with E. coli O157:H7 by declaring the pathogen an adulterant in ground beef. Before returning to FDA in July 2009, Mr. Taylor served as research professor, School of Public Health and Health Services, The George Washington University. His research agenda focused on policy, resource and institutional issues that affect the success of public health agencies in carrying out their preventionrelated missions. During that time, he co-authored Stronger Partnerships for Safer Food–An Agenda for Strengthening State and Local Roles in the Nation’s Food Safety System and Harnessing Knowledge to Ensure Food Safety–Opportunities to Improve the Nation’s Food Safety Information Infrastructure. Mr. Taylor has served on several National Academy of Sciences committees studying food-related issues, including dioxin and animal biotechnology. Other positions held by Mr. Taylor include senior fellow, Resources for the Future; professor, School of Medicine, University of Maryland; partner, King Spalding Law Firm; and vice president for public policy, Monsanto Company. Mr. Taylor received his law degree from the University of Virginia and his B.A. degree in political science from Davidson College. Bettcher Industries Names Rolf Laager to International Sales Management Position ettcher Industries, a manufacturer and supplier of precision cutting tools for food processing, foodservice and industrial applications, has announced that Rolf Laager has joined the company as international sales manager. In this position, Mr. Laager will be responsible for sales and market development functions for the Bettcher product line in Europe, including managing distributor relationships in various European countries. Mr. Laager joins Bettcher Industries from Hoegger AG, an international manufacturer of meat and bacon presses where he was general manager of the company’s US operations in Vermont. He managed sales, technical service and product development activities for the company’s customer base in North America and Latin America. Earlier, Laager served as an international sales manager and assistant to the president at Hoegger AG’s headquarters in Flawil, Switzerland. Laager’s technical background includes formal training in mechanical engineering and electronics. He has taught a wide range of mechatronics-related coursework and is also a member of the Examining Board for Mechatronics Professionals. The appointment of Rolf Laager underscores the expansion in Bettcher Industries’ product line and international activities of the company. In the European region, Bettcher has established distributor partnerships over the past several years in Russia and the Balkans, as well as in the Baltic Republics. According to David Quebbemann, vice president of sales and marketing, continued expansion into European markets underscores the importance of international busi- Michael R.Taylor, J.D., Deputy Commissioner for Foods M ichael R. Taylor, J.D., was named deputy commissioner for foods at the US Food and Drug Administration, January 2010. He is the first individual to hold the position, which was created along with a new Office of Foods in August 2009 to elevate the leadership and management of the Foods Program. Mr. Taylor is a nationally recognized food safety expert, having served in numerous high-level positions at FDA and USDA, as a research professor in academia, and on several National Academy of Sciences expert committees. Mr. Taylor returned to FDA in July 2009 as senior advisor to the commissioner. As deputy commissioner for foods, Mr. Taylor will help FDA to develop and implement a prevention-based strategy for food safety, plan implementation of new food safety legislation, and ensure that food labels contain clear and accurate information on nutrition. Mr. Taylor began his career as a staff attorney at FDA, holding various positions, including deputy commissioner for policy. While 178 FOOD PROTECTION TRENDS | MARCH 2010

Food Protection Trends - March 2010

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