In the News

Michael Taylor Named FDA Deputy Commissioner for Foods

Jan 14, 2010

Michael R. Taylor was named Deputy Commissioner for Foods at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Jan. 13, 2010. In this position, he will help the agency "develop and implement a prevention based strategy for food safety, plan implementation of new food safety legislation, and ensure that food labels contain clear and accurate information on nutrition," according to a FDA announcement on the appointment. Taylor is the first person to serve as Deputy Commissioner for Foods. The position was created by FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg—along with the Office of Foods—in August of last year.

Taylor began his career in 1976 as a staff attorney at FDA. He then worked in private law practice for 10 years before returning to FDA as Deputy Commissioner for Policy. Following that position, he has served as Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was also a Professor at the University of Maryland's School of Medicine; Vice President for Public Policy at Monsanto Company; a Senior Fellow at Resources for the Future; and a Research Professor at The George Washington University's School of Public Health and Health Services. Taylor returned to FDA in July 2009 as Senior Advisor to the Commissioner. He received his law degree from the University of Virginia and his B.A. degree in political science from Davidson College.