Geoffrey Podger

Geoffrey Podger, former CEO of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA), has a distinguished career marked by his commitment to public safety and regulatory excellence. As Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority, Geoffrey demonstrated his commitment to enhancing food safety standards globally. His role as the Chair of the Safe to Trade Independent Governance Board reflects his wish to see that food safety standards are upheld to the highest degree.

Geoffrey’s involvement in Safe to Trade stems from his recognition of the scheme’s potential to revolutionise the catering sector. He believes that Safe to Trade’s standardised audit process is a vital means to reduce inconsistencies in food safety audits, thereby enhancing the reliability and credibility of food safety inspections. His commitment to the scheme is further fuelled by the potential it offers for consumer protection, enabling consumers to make informed decisions about where to eat out safely.

Three key benefits of Safe to Trade that Geoffrey fully supports are:

• A clear audit standard that ensures consistency and clarity in food safety inspections.
• The ability for food business operators to demonstrate legal compliance and build a strong due diligence defence, reducing the likelihood of food safety contraventions.
• An option for regulators to influence national government policy, allocate resources more effectively, and improve food safety standards with the aim of reducing foodborne diseases.

Geoffrey’s vision for Safe to Trade is one where it sets an international benchmark for food safety, influencing policy decision-making and improving food safety standards globally.