Steven Mandernach, chief of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals’ (IDIA) Food & Consumer Safety Bureau and Public Health Ambassador for the State Hygienic Laboratory, has been selected to serve as the next executive director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO). Mandernach will leave IDIA on Oct. 4.

SHL Public Health Ambassador Steven Mandernach

“Steven has been a powerful advocate for consumers throughout the state,” IDIA Director Rod Roberts said.  “During his eight years as bureau chief, he has sought innovative solutions to some of the more complicated and challenging food safety issues.  The department’s loss will be a significant gain for AFDO,” Roberts added.  The bureau is responsible for the regulation of Iowa’s 24,000 food establishments, including grocery stores, restaurants, convenience stores, food processing plants and lodging operations.

Mandernach was named Food & Consumer Safety Bureau Chief in 2010.  Among his many accomplishments as bureau chief was the development of a new inspection and data system that includes an online license renewal system for Iowa food establishments.  He also was responsible for securing federal funds to create a Food and Feed Rapid Response Team and to purchase equipment for the State Hygienic Laboratory. The equipment was partially responsible for the early adoption of genome sequencing in Iowa, which has aided in solving several recent outbreaks. 

“Steven is a master team-builder who has formed collaborate bonds between the department and local, state, and federal agencies,” the director continued.  “His primary goal has always been to protect the consuming public.”

The Association of Food and Drug Officials, with headquarters in York, PA, successfully fosters uniformity in the adoption and enforcement of science-based food, drug, medical devices, cosmetics and product safety laws, rules and regulations.  Its six regional affiliates provide the mechanism and the forum where regional, national and international issues are deliberated and resolved to uniformly provide the best public health and consumer protection in the most expeditious and cost-effective manner.

“It’s a very great opportunity to bring together partners at the state and local level with our federal partners to discuss, implement and deploy food and medical products policy while being able to answer the needs for new areas and technologies that will impact what our regulators do on a daily basis.”