Technical Standards Committee member

Joanna Betts

Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner and Champion of Safe to Trade

"Safe to Trade is a game-changer for food safety, and I’m thrilled to contribute to its success. My experience in environmental health drives my commitment to creating rigorous and effective standards."

Joanna Betts, a Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner with 25 years of experience in both local government and commercial sectors, is a fervent supporter of the Safe to Trade initiative. Her commitment to upholding the highest standards of environmental health compliance drives her passion for this groundbreaking scheme.

Joanna’s extensive background in environmental health has provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by food business operators and regulators alike. She recognises the critical need for a standardised approach to food safety and hygiene audits that can bridge the gap between professional judgment and consistent compliance. For Joanna, Safe to Trade represents a transformative solution to these challenges, offering a clear and reliable framework that benefits all stakeholders.

In her role within the Safe to Trade initiative, Joanna is dedicated to contributing to the governance of technical standards by bringing her wealth of experience and expertise to the table. She aims to ensure that the standards are not only rigorous and effective but also practical and adaptable to the evolving needs of the food industry. Joanna’s vision is to create a system that empowers food business operators to achieve and maintain high standards of food safety while providing regulators with the tools they need to carry out their duties efficiently and effectively.

The benefits of the Safe to Trade scheme are numerous and align closely with Joanna’s professional values. For consumers, Safe to Trade offers the confidence that the food establishments they choose adhere to stringent hygiene and safety standards, which is crucial for building trust and ensuring public health. For food business operators, the scheme provides a robust framework for demonstrating legal compliance, reducing the risk of food safety violations, and enhancing their reputation. Joanna is particularly passionate about the scheme’s potential to support regulators in optimising their resources and focusing on high-risk areas, ultimately leading to improved food safety standards.

On an international level, Joanna sees Safe to Trade as a game-changer in the realm of food safety. By setting a benchmark for audit standards and promoting consistency across different regions, the scheme can drive improvements in food safety practices worldwide. Joanna is committed to working towards this vision, leveraging her experience and dedication to make a meaningful impact.

In summary, Joanna Betts’ unwavering commitment to environmental health and her passion for Safe to Trade make her an essential member of the initiative. Her extensive experience and expertise will play a vital role in shaping the technical standards and ensuring the success of the scheme .