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Commitment to food recognised

18 July 2008

Two of New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s long-serving staff have been honoured for their commitment to food. Assistant Director (Production and Processing) Judy Barker and Programme Manager (Composition) with the Joint Food Standards’ nutrition team John van den Beuken were last month made Fellows of the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology (NZIFST).

They were presented with their accolades at NZIFST’s annual conference in June. Fellowship is an honour bestowed on a member to recognise their substantial contribution or outstanding service to the profession of food science and technology. NZIFST has been awarding Fellowships for the past 42 years. Two other NZFSA staff members have been made Fellows in the past.

NZFSA Chief Executive Andrew McKenzie is delighted with his staff’s induction onto NZIFST’s roll of honour. “Judy and John are highly valued members of our team and it is great to see them recognised for their hard work and dedication to ensure the safety of New Zealand’s food.”

Judy Barker is a Massey University Food Technology graduate and held a number of senior positions within MAF and Department of Health before her appointment as an Assistant Director with the newly formed NZFSA in 2002. She has been involved in the development and implementation of NZ regulatory standards for food safety and market access for many of the major food sectors. Judy's involvement with international forums such as Codex has assisted with ensuring the NZ standards are compatible with international standards, and has facilitated entry of New Zealand foods into many export markets.

John van den Beuken has provided considerable input into domestic and international food standards for almost twenty years. A Massey University Food Technology graduate he worked at the Ministry of Health before joining NZFSA. His expertise has been significant in the development and implementation of the joint Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, and in New Zealand's contribution to international Codex standards concerning food additives and processing aids.

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For further comment contact: Judy Barker, Assistance Director (Production and Processing), 04 894 2606 or 029 894 2606. John van den Beuken, Programme Manager (Composition), 04 894 2581.