WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2005-Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the appointment of Dr. Barbara Masters as Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), overseeing the regulation of meat, poultry and processed egg products, which constitute 40 percent of the American food dollar.

"Dr. Barb Masters has excelled throughout her public service career in protecting the public health from foodborne illness and ensuring that the nation's meat, poultry and egg products are safe, wholesome and correctly packaged," said Johanns. "I know she will continue to do an outstanding job as administrator and I am very pleased that she will serve in this important capacity on our management team."

Dr. Masters has served as the acting administrator of FSIS since March 1, 2004. During that time, she has raised the scientific training investment in the 10,000-employee workforce to a record $20 million, as well as enhanced communications with both internal and external audiences so that information regarding food safety programs is timely and accessible. She has also implemented documented management controls that have improved efficiency and effectiveness in the agency, which has 7,400 inspectors working in 6,200 slaughter and processing plants every day through out the country.

"Dr. Masters is a veteran public health official who brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and commitment to FSIS," said Dr. Richard Raymond, USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety. "I am thrilled and pleased she has agreed to lead FSIS during these exciting and challenging times. I look forward to working closely with her and our management team in protecting the public health of Americans."

Dr. Masters began her FSIS career in 1989 as a veterinary medical officer near Hot Springs, Arkansas. She has since held a variety of posts throughout the agency, both in the field and at headquarters. Her previous positions include Director of Slaughter Operations Staff, Branch Chief in Processing Operations, and a staff officer in the Technology Transfer and Coordination Staff.

Dr. Masters received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University and served in a food animal internship at Kansas State University.