Consumer Alert head named to Food Forum.

In March 2002 Consumer Alert's executive director, Frances B. Smith, was appointed to the Food Forum of the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine. Smith is one of three consumer group representatives asked to serve on the prestigious panel comprised of academicians, top administrators in several federal agencies in the U.S. and Canada, selected science and technology leaders in the food industry.

According to the Institute, the Food Forum, established in 1993, "provides a mechanism for these diverse groups to discuss food, food safety, and food technology issues and to identify possible approaches for addressing them by taking into consideration the often complex interactions among industry, academia, regulatory agencies and consumers." Because regulators serve on the panel, it is precluded from making recommendations to the government.

Smith's appointment extends until December 31, 2004. In accepting the appointment, Smith noted that Consumer Alert was honored to be a member of the Forum. "Many of the scientists and technology leaders represented on the panel are at the cutting-edge of food safety issues," Smith said. "Since a large program area of Consumer Alert involves conveying to consumers new information and insights about food safety, the knowledge gained through Forum deliberations would be invaluable in that effort."