May 22/Arlington, Va./Targeted News Service -- The U.S. Senate confirmed Margaret Hamburg, MD, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner on May 18.

Hamburg served as the Nuclear Threat Initiative's founding vice president for the biological program. She was also previously assistant secretary for planning and evaluation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and was the commissioner of health for New York, NY.

Hamburg said at her confirmation hearing that her priorities include improving the safety of food and medical products, according to Reuters News.

Recently confirmed U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius congratulated Hamburg on the confirmation. "Dr. Hamburg is an inspiring public health leader with broad experience in infectious disease, bioterrorism, and health policy," said Sebelius. "Her expertise and judgment will serve FDA well."

From the May 26, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition