The American Council on Science and Health (ACSH), applauded President George W. Bush for nominating Dr. Elsa Murano for the office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA'S) Undersecretary for Food Safety.
Dr. Murano is the director of the Center for Food Safety at Texas A&M University. Her research on food safety has included studies of a variety of disease-causing organisms, including E. coli O157: H7. She is a recognized expert on the use of irradiation to improve the safety of foods, and has edited and authored books on that topic.
The Senate must confirm Dr. Murano's nomination as undersecretary before she can assume the office. The USDA is responsible for overseeing the production, inspection, grading, and safety of meat and poultry products. It has recently been considering new rules regarding testing standards for meat and processed meats, such as hot dogs. The agency is also responsible for setting the rules for use of new technologies like irradiation after they have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These are among the critical issues Dr. Murano will oversee if her nomination is confirmed.
Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, ACSH president, commented: "The nomination of Dr. Murano for this position bodes well for the USDA food safety program. Dr. Murano's reputation for using science to disarm unfounded fear campaigns against food irradiation gives us confidence that she will bring this approach to the nation's highest food safety office."
