Joanne Uí Chrualaoich has been appointed as the new chief executive of Safefood, the all-island body tasked with promoting food safety and nutrition.

The Cork-based scientist and public health leader has over 18 years of experience across government, academia, and industry.

Joanne joins Safefood from the Department of Health, where she served as head of population health screening and cardiovascular policy.

Her career also includes 16 years at the University College Cork (UCC) School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, where she was director of the Food Industry Training Unit.

Safefood

Uí Chrualaoich steps into the role at a pivotal time, as shifts in how, where and what people eat across the island heighten the importance of Safefood’s work.

"The work of Safefood is a cornerstone of the all-island health and food safety infrastructure, and I am delighted to lead an implementation body that remains central to North-South cooperation.

Growing up in a border community, I have a deep appreciation for the vital role these partnerships play," she said.

A trained chemist and a psychologist, Uí Chrualaoich is planning to bring a "science-meets-behaviour" approach to the agency’s mandate.

"My background helps me bridge those worlds. It allows me to anchor our work in scientific evidence while also understanding how people interpret information and how behaviours changes," she said.

Strategy

Uí Chrualaoich will oversee the development of Safefood's first long-term strategy, Safefood 2036.

This project aims to look beyond immediate work programmes to address how rapid changes in technology, supply chains, and consumer habits will impact public health over the next decade.

"Safefood 2036 is about thinking boldly. We will listen to our partners, the food industry, academia and critically the public to ensure our work remains credible, relevant, and focused on improving lives across the island," she said.