Former USDA Undersecretary of Food Safety Elisabeth Hagen Joins NSF Board of Directors

NSF International has appointed Elisabeth Hagen, M.D., food safety advisor and former federal policy maker and regulator, to its Board of Directors. Dr. Hagen is a physician with a long career in clinical medicine, public health and food safety consulting. As principal of Elisabeth Hagen, PLLC, she consults with a range of clients including food companies and investors on food trends, regulatory issues and crisis management.

As undersecretary for food safety at the USDA from 2010-2013, Dr. Hagen oversaw food safety policy for the U.S. meat and poultry industries and advanced major reforms and consumer protections. She also served as a principal in the White House Food Safety Working Group. Prior to her appointment as undersecretary, Dr. Hagen led epidemiology and science programs in USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

“As a former federal regulator, I know how crucial NSF International and its people have been to the advancement of public health and safety worldwide,” said Elisabeth Hagen, M.D “I am delighted to join the talented group of men and women on the NSF International Board of Directors in support of this organization and its important mission.”
Since leaving the USDA, Dr. Hagen served as a senior advisor to Deloitte where she advised Fortune 500 companies on food and product safety, supply chain risk, and brand enhancement. In her role at Deloitte, she counseled on growth and market differentiation of key consumer product offerings with a focus on emerging consumer preferences and trends. Dr. Hagen also holds board of director positions with TriStrata Group and Pure Bioscience. She earned her M.D. from Harvard Medical School and is specialty trained in internal medicine and infectious disease.

“Dr. Hagen has vast knowledge and expertise of food safety issues and policies,” said NSF CEO and President of NSF Kevan Lawlor. “She understands the important role an independent organization like NSF International can play in protecting and improving human health and the environment. Dr. Hagen is an exceptional addition to our board of directors and provides trusted counsel and oversight.”