Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 9/25/14


Food Safety and Inspection Service Administrator Al Almanza today was named deputy under secretary for food safety, a USDA spokesperson confirmed to Meatingplace.

Almanza, a 36-year FSIS veteran, will work alongside Brian Ronholm, who will also have the title of deputy undersecretary.
Ronholm has been serving as the acting undersecretary since Elisabeth Hagen left the post in December 2013. The undersecretary office remains vacant.

Sources said Almanza had been considered for the top job but had to withdraw his name in exchange for finalizing new poultry inspection rules.

An email forwarded to Meatingplace and apparently authored by Almanza addressing colleagues also states, “… I have been named by the Secretary as Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety. 

“Of course, I am honored to accept this position. After serving as the FSIS Administrator for more than seven years, and working at FSIS for over 36 years, I understand the responsibility that comes with this position, and I have much respect for those who have served in that role.”

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