Maria Hoffmann Joins International Food Protection Executive Board

FDA Scientist Elected to Leadership Role in Global Food Safety

• Bonnie Johnson
• March 27, 2026
• Media Article

Dr. Maria Hoffmann joins the Executive Board of a global food safety group, bringing years of research, leadership, and public health experience to support better food safety systems worldwide.

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Members of the International Association for Food Protection have elected Maria Hoffmann to serve on its Executive Board as Secretary. She will officially take office after the IAFP 2026 meeting in New Orleans and will serve in leadership roles for five years. She is expected to become President in July 2029.
 

Dr. Hoffmann works as a Genomics Research Scientist in the Human Foods Program at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In her role, she leads important projects that improve the study of foodborne diseases using modern science tools. Her work focuses on genomic epidemiology, which helps experts track and control foodborne pathogens more effectively.
 

Over the past twenty years, she has contributed to food safety by combining science, public health, and policy. She helps develop advanced testing methods and supports global cooperation to improve outbreak detection. One key method she promotes is whole genome sequencing, which allows scientists to better understand harmful bacteria.
 

Dr. Hoffmann began her career in public health at the Institute for Hygiene and Environment in Hamburg, Germany. She joined the FDA in 2007 and continues to play a strong role in improving food safety systems both in the United States and internationally.
 

She has been an active member of the IAFP since 2014. During this time, she has shown strong leadership by organizing workshops, leading discussions, and supporting professional development groups. She has also worked as a reviewer and judge for research awards and helped guide major events, including chairing the 2025 Annual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio.
 

Dr. Hoffmann completed her master's degree in food chemistry and earned her Ph.D. in Microbial Genetics from the University of Hamburg. Her education and experience continue to support her important role in advancing global food safety.