Dr Lisa Ackerley, co-founder of Hygiene Audit Systems and specialist food safety adviser to the Royal Society for Public Health, has been awarded SOFHT’s prestigious “Most Significant Contribution to the Food Industry” Award for “raising the profile of food hygiene in the best possible way.”

The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology’s Board of Directors chose Dr Ackerley, one of the UK’s leading food safety experts, in recognition of her valuable work within the media and the industry generally, championing a clear, well-informed consumer food safety message.

Dr Ackerley has made regular appearances as an expert food safety adviser, on the BBC’s News, Watchdog, Rogue Restaurants and The Secret Tourist.

SOFHT Chairman Simon Houghton-Dodd commented: “She has restored credibility to the word “expert.” A lot of people purport to be experts, but Dr Lisa Ackerley, with her eloquence, factual knowledge and ability to put it across in layman’s terms, truly is.

“She is a credible, proper expert in every sense of the word and thanks to the work she has done throughout the media - from local radio to Watchdog, and within the industry at conferences and presentations, she has helped raise the profile of the food industry and food hygiene in the best possible way. We are delighted to recognize her contribution. ”

The award was presented at SOFHT’s annual luncheon, attended by 360 guests from all sectors of the food industry at London’s Landmark Hotel on Nov 24.

Always a closely guarded secret until the winner is revealed, it is only given to individuals or companies who have made a significant contribution to changing policy, promoting best practice in the industry or driving awareness of food safety.

“I am thrilled to have been chosen to receive this award,” said a delighted Dr Ackerley, who is Visiting Professor of Environmental Health at Salford University.

“My passion has always been to help to get the food safety and public health message across as simply and widely as possible, to help people understand why it’s important for them to do something so that they can act to improve their well-being,” she explained.

“The media – and especially TV - is the most powerful way to convey that message and get people to change their behaviour.

“But,” she added, “I couldn’t have done it without the support, loyalty and professionalism of my hard-working team at Hygiene Audit Systems. This award is for all of us and makes us want to strive even more to deliver ever-improved and innovative service for all our clients.”

Hygiene Audit Systems, which celebrates its 25th birthday next year, is a
leading food safety and health and safety consultancy, which provides advice, training and support to businesses in the food industry, leisure, catering and hospitality sectors.

For more information, visit: www.hygieneauditsystems.com or call 01727 866779

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For media enquiries: Please contact Cathy Salmon on 07597 945728 / 01442 877033 / [email protected] 

Notes to editors: The attached image shows Dr Lisa Ackerley with her award beside SOFHT chairman Simon Houghton-Dodd (left of photo) and the judging panel’s chairman, Rokill Director Chris Turner (right).