WASHINGTON — After months of anticipation, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Department Administrator and Deputy Administrator have officially been named. On Friday, Secretary Sonny Perdue appointed Carmen Rottenberg to the top post, and Paul Kiecker as deputy.
Most recently, Rottenberg has served as the FSIS deputy administrator and as Acting Deputy Under- Secretary for the USDA Office of Food Safety. Her leadership experience in the FSIS Office of the Administrator and history of placing emphasis on efficiency and modernization of inspection systems inspire confidence in her ability to excel in this role and ensure the safety of the U.S. food chain.
Similarly, Kiecker has an impressive track record of leadership and experience at all levels of food safety and inspection. He has served as FSIS Acting Administrator since August 2017.
Regarding the recent appointments, USCA President Kenny Graner said: “USCA is excited to see Ms. Rottenberg and Mr. Kiecker appointed to these key leadership positions at FSIS. Together, they have decades of experience dealing with key regulatory and inspection issues and we are confident that they will put that experience to work to protect the integrity of food safety and inspection across the country.
“Internationally, having these appointments officially in place strengthens the American voice immeasurably at the negotiating table. Enforcement of food integrity for both U.S. cattle producers and consumers will be much more effective with these key leadership roles securely established and expertly filled.”
–US Cattlemen’s Association
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