The Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS) cut the ribbon on its new office in Aberdeen on Friday, five weeks ahead of becoming an independent body.
On April 1, the agency responsible for food safety, standards, nutrition, labeling and meat inspection will officially become Food Standards Scotland (FSS). The creation of the agency was proposed by former Chief Veterinary Officer Jim Scudamore in a review published in 2012
Minister of Public Health Maureen Watt was on hand to open the new office at the new office that was developed by Miller Cromdale in the city’s North Dee Business Quarter.
She said: “I’m delighted to be asked to open the FSA’s new premises in Aberdeen, particularly because it will soon become the premises Food Standards Scotland, the base of a new Scottish body, keeping our commitment to Aberdeen as a centre of operations.
“Bad eating habits are the most significant cause of ill health in Scotland, even more than smoking. The Scottish diet contains too many calories and too much fat, salt and sugar, contributing to high levels of obesity and diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
“Food-borne disease is estimated to affect 43,000 Scottish consumers annually. In many cases the impact can be much more serious than just an upset tummy. Around 5,800 need to see their GP and 500 requiring hospital treatment.”
Geoff Ogle, currently the director Scotland of the FSA, will take over as chief executive of the FSS when it is formed in April.
The agency’s board is chaired by former Minister for the Environment and Rural Development, Ross Finnie.