Ms. Rachel Edelstein
Rachel Edelstein was named the assistant administrator for the Office of Policy and Program Development (OPPD) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in June 2020. Edelstein leads the Agency’s efforts to modernize regulations as needed, improve instructions to FSIS field personnel and eliminate unnecessary burden to the industry. These efforts align with FSIS’ Strategic Goals — 1: Prevent Foodborne Illness and Protect Public Health; 2: Transform Inspection Strategies, Policies and Scientific Approaches to Improve Public Health and 3: Achieve Operational Excellence.
As OPPD’s assistant administrator, she leads efforts to modernize regulations and other Federal Register publications, improve instructions to FSIS field personnel and eliminate unnecessary burden to industry. Edelstein directs personnel responsible for label approval, evaluation of new technologies, ingredients and review of regulatory waiver requests. She also oversees staff who assess foreign and state inspection systems and answer questions and develop guidance for industry.
Edelstein has a Bachelor of Arts in English from William and Mary and a Master of Arts in English from the University of Virginia.