Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the appointment of Alfred V. Almanza as Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), a USDA agency which protects public health, through inspection of domestically produced and imported meat, poultry and egg products.
"Alfred Almanza is an experienced and effective leader who has established and maintained a high standard of excellence during almost 30 years with FSIS," Johanns said. "He has a strong record as an FSIS manager for recruiting and training the most qualified individuals in order to improve the safety of FSIS regulated products, and does not hesitate to take swift and strong regulatory action in order to protect public health."
Almanza served most recently as the Dallas District Manager which includes more than 350 federally-inspected establishments. A Texas native, Almanza joined FSIS in 1978. Prior to becoming the Dallas District Manager, he served in a variety of positions, including Slaughter Inspector, Labor Relations Specialist, Special Assistant to the District Manager and Deputy District Manager.
Johanns also thanked Dr. David P. Goldman for outstanding leadership serving as acting FSIS Administrator since January 2007. Dr. Goldman is a Captain in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and will resume his duties as the head of the Office of Public Health Science.
Source:
USDA