Mary Friel

Mary Friel

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Subject Matter Expert, Regulatory Leadership in Food Law

Dr. Mary Friel is based in Ireland and is an independent consultant in food policy and regulatory affairs with international reach.

In 2020 she established Marel Consulting Ltd., a consultancy service providing regulatory and scientific solutions for stakeholders in the food sector (including governments, state bodies, industry and non-profit organisations). It specialises in food policy and regulatory affairs relating to food safety, nutrition and sustainability.

Dr. Friel has a proven track record in this area with experience spanning the private and public sectors. Previously, she held senior regulatory roles in the food industry, including Director Regulatory Affairs with a leading multinational company specialising in nutritional solutions. She also held roles with the European Food Information Council (EUFIC), the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and a short-term contract with the Food Quality and Standards Service of the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the UN (FAO).  She has extensive experience engaging with multidisciplinary stakeholders, including trade associations where she has taken leadership roles.  

Dr. Friel holds a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree and PhD from University College Dublin, Ireland.

Dr. Friel is a guest contributor to the IFLR course Regulatory Leadership in Food Law.