To ensure independence, the work of the network is overseen by an Advisory Board.
The Terms of Reference for the Advisory Board can be found HERE.
The current composition of the Advisory Board (updated December 2020)
The Terms of Reference for the Advisory Board can be found HERE.
The current composition of the Advisory Board (updated December 2020)
Sterling is Chair of the Advisory Board of the Food Authenticity Network. He is co-founder of Kitchen Conversation. Managing Director of SQS Ltd and is a Strategic Advisor at Dynamic Risk Indicator and the Shield Safety Group .Sterling is the Independent Scientific Advisor at Campden BRI and sits on its board. He is also on the audit governance board at Eurofins and is a Scientific Advisor to Olio the online food sharing business. He chairs the Institute of Food Science and Technologies Food Safety Group, sits on its Board and is it’s immediate past Vice President.
He has 35 years’ experience of working in the field of national and international food safety, authenticity governance, sustainability and regulation. He started his career in government before a successful track history in retailing with Marks and Spencer and Tesco. He has also worked in the branded environment for Coca Cola and Disney and two food manufacturers.
Sterling’s experience as a regulator, retailer, brand owner and food manufacturer has given him a unique perspective of the authenticity challenges in the global food supply network.
Alex is Head of Regulatory Affairs at the Food and Drnk Federation
> Experienced regulatory affairs professional in the food & drink industry.
> High level of technical and regulatory expertise within food policy, food law, enforcement, food safety and stakeholder engagement.
> Specialising in food information to consumers (labelling) and food hypersensitivity (allergy/intolerance) policy.
Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) is a Food Authenticity Centre of Expertise.
Christina Holt is currently the Next Generation Sequencing Lead Scientist at Reading Scientific Services Ltd. Holding a B.Sc. (hons) in Biology from the University of Kingston, Christina has been working in the Food Integrity arena for 17 years, focussing on the development, implementation and validation of DNA based analytical methods to help the food industry solve real life problems.
Stephen French, Scientific Policy Director Stephen is responsible for leading IFST policy development and engagement on scientific and technical issues, and policy relevant to IFST mission in education, skills and professional recognition. In addition, he supports the External Affairs Advisory Committee and Consultations Group. In this role, Stephen engages with key government departments from the UK nations, key opinion leader academics, and food sector industry leaders to support the IFST mission. Since graduating from University of Sheffield with a BSc. (Hons) in Physiology and a Ph.D. in Gastrointestinal Physiology and Nutrition, Stephen had an academic career in research and teaching prior to joining Mars Inc. During his time with Mars Inc., Stephen worked in a variety of research and Scientific and Regulatory Affairs roles for the organisation in European and Global roles, and in Confectionery, Food, and Petfood sectors of the business. Outside of work, Stephen is a Governor at a leading independent day school and a volunteer at a local community garden. Stephen enjoys running, cycling and is a keen gardener.
Director and Assistant Professor, Food Fraud Initiative, within the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University (USA).
Previously he was an Assistant Professor in the School of Criminal Justice in the College of Social Science at MSU. His 2009 Packaging PhD work, within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU, was on Anti-Counterfeit Strategy and his broad research expands from Food Fraud to product fraud related business risks (including Enterprise Risk Management ERM and COSO), and a range of outreach activities that cover policy and trade issues. He teaches graduate courses: Packaging for Food Safety, Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection (Food Fraud), and Quantifying Food Risk. He is widely published in leading academic journals including “Defining the Public Health Threat of Food Fraud,” “Defining the Types of Counterfeiters, Counterfeiting, and Offender Organizations,” and “Introduction of the Food Fraud Initial Screening Method (FFIS).”
His leadership positions include product fraud related activities with “ISO 22000 Food Safety” and “TC292 Security Management/ Fraud Countermeasure,” WHO, GFSI Food Fraud Think Tank, and U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). Global activities include engagements with the European Commission, INTERPOL and Operation Opson, New Zealand MPI, Codex Alimentarius, WHO/FAO, and served as Advisor on Food Fraud to the Chinese National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA).
Experienced management strategy consultant, business leader, advisor and non-exec Board Member with extensive international experience and fluency in five languages. Areas of expertise include:
* business management and strategy
* Sector focus: food and sustainability
* new business development, sales and international market expansion
* standardization, compliance, certification, accreditation and quality marks.