USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Chief Scientist

Dr. Esteban was trained as a veterinarian in Mexico and supplemented his training with an MBA, a Masters Degree in Preventive Veterinary Medicine, and a PhD in Epidemiology from UC Davis. He was appointed as Chief Scientist, Food Safety and Inspection Service in 2018. This is his fourth position within FSIS, all within the Office of Public Health Science. Prior to his current assignment, he was Executive Associate for Laboratory Services, the Scientific Advisor for Laboratory Services and Research Coordination, and the Laboratory Director for the Western Laboratory, where he started his tenure at USDA FSIS in 2006. Prior to joining USDA, he worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer, Staff Epidemiologist, and Assistant Director of the Food Safety Office. Dr. Esteban provides scientific advice to support Agency policies including the disciplines of microbiology, chemistry and pathology. The data that generated by the FSIS labs is the foundation for documenting the effectiveness of FSIS’ food safety policies. Laboratory data provides empirical verification of HACCP control, identification of violations, and support of recall activities. Under his tenure, the laboratories have maintained the high quality of the analytical results while increasing the throughput. He has focused on streamlining the sampling process from the collection point at the plant to the reporting of results. Under his leadership the laboratory system is also reducing the number of independent data management systems allowing for a more flexible and responsive IT infrastructure. Outside the US Federal Government, Dr. Esteban is also the Chair for the Codex Alimentarius Commission Committee on Food Hygiene. This committee is where international food hygiene standards are defined for international trade. He is also currently vice president of the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP).