CHARLES SIZER APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY

Press Office
Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services


NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS             Print Media:     301-827-6242
April 1, 1998                      
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CHARLES SIZER APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF
NATIONAL CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY

The Food and Drug Administration today announced the appointment of Charles E. Sizer, Ph.D., as director of the National Center for Food Safety and Technology (NCFST) in Bedford Park, Ill. Sizer is an internationally recognized expert in aseptic food processing and packaging.

As NCFST director, Sizer oversees the center's research and education programs designed to advance the safety of the U.S. food supply through development of new technology and science. NCFST is located on the campus of, and is operated by, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and is jointly sponsored by the Institute, FDA, the University of Illinois and industry members. The center was established in 1989 as a cooperative effort among government, industry and academia.

"Chuck Sizer brings to his new position outstanding academic credentials and real-world experience and success that qualify him as the right leader take the National Center for Food Safety and Technology into the 21st century," said Fred Shank, senior FDA advisor for External Academic Affairs.

Prior to taking up his new position, Sizer worked for Tetra Pak Inc. of Buffalo Grove Illinois, a manufacturer of food packaging materials and products. During his 17 year tenure with Tetra Pak, Sizer served as general manager of the company's research center, director of product development and manager of research and aseptic technology. He holds five U.S. patents and one European patent on food processing and packaging technology. Sizer also designed the research trials that supported FDA acceptance of a standardized method of aseptic processing of low-acid foods.

Sizer has served on NCFST's Technical Advisory Committee and on advisory committees to the National Food Processors Association, the Food Processors Institute and the Center for Aseptic Processing and Packaging.

Sizer earned a bachelor's of science degree in chemistry from the University of Nebraska and a master's of science and doctorate in food science from Colorado State University. He is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists and has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Packaging Technology.

As NCFST director, Sizer succeeds founding director Richard V. Lechowich, Ph.D., who is retiring.

Press Office Food and Drug Administration U.S. Department of Health and Human Services