May 29, 2003 A scientist from the Food Technology Centre (FTC) in Charlottetown has been appointed to a joint committee of the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Health Organization. Dr. Jim Smith is the acting executive director of the FTC. He will join six other scientists from around the world on an expert committee on food additives and contaminants. "Few people on the Island are aware of the high level of expertise we have at the Food Technology Centre," said Development and Technology Minister Mike Currie. "This is a very prestigious appointment and I am very proud that it was given to a scientist from PEI." The committee was first struck in 1956 to look at the safety of food additives. Its mandate has expanded to include contaminants, naturally occurring toxicants and residues of veterinary drugs in food. More information on the committee is available at www.fao.org/es/ESN/Jecfa/index_en.stm The appointment begins immediately and will run until 2006.Media Contact: Ann Thurlow