The European Commission appointed today Eric Thévenard as the Director for Health and Food Audits and Analysis within its Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE). This department is responsible for protecting the health of EU citizens, as well as animal health and welfare, plant health and food safety, through a One Health approach. The date of effect will be determined later.
With over 30 years of experience in health and food policy, Mr Thévenard brings extensive expertise in regulatory frameworks, food safety and crisis response. He has a strong track record in designing and implementing EU food safety rules, including measures to combat food fraud, and has played a key role in strengthening the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed to support its increased use by Member State authorities. His proven management experience includes leading multidisciplinary teams, coordinating complex regulatory processes, and delivering results in a fast-evolving policy environment. Taken together, these experiences equip him with the strategic, organisational and operational perspective required to strengthen health and food audits, promote transparency, and ensure the safety and quality of food across the Union.
Eric Thévenard, a French national, is currently serving as Head of Unit for Trade-related controls, residues and feed safety in DG SANTE. He previously held several Head of Unit positions within the same Directorate-General, including for pesticides and biocides, food hygiene, feed and fraud, as well as institutional relations, planning and impact assessment. Prior to joining the Commission in 1995, he worked as a veterinarian in border inspection services for the French Ministry of Agriculture.
