NRA taps Melchert for new food safety, QA post

The National Restaurant Association appointed Christopher Melchert as its senior manager for food safety and quality assurance, a new position within the association's government affairs and policy department.

Melchert, a food safety and protection expert for more than 27 years, will help develop, manage and implement the NRA's agenda regarding food safety and quality assurance issues.

"Christopher's expertise will be a tremendous asset to the government affairs team and to the entire National Restaurant Association membership," said Scott DeFife, executive vice president of policy and government affairs. "His experience communicating with federal agencies will greatly add to our efforts on regulatory matters."
Joan McGlockton, vice president of industry affairs and food policy, echoed DeFife's sentiments. "The restaurant industry is committed to food safety, and Christopher's skills will help guide the industry as we continue to build on our high standards," she said.

Before joining the NRA, Melchert, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences from California Polytechnic State University, served as a compliance officer for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. He also was director of regulatory and technical affairs for the Snack Food Association and was an environmental health specialist for the Fairfax County Health Department and the Virginia Department of Health.