Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Sara Mortimore to the Minnesota Food Safety and Defense Task Force.

Mortimore, of Shorewood, is the vice president of quality assurance and regulatory affairs for Land O’Lakes Inc. She is an expert on quality, food safety and food management with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Mortimore has worked with General Mills, Inc. where she was responsible for international quality operations, and Pillsbury Europe, where she was responsible for European operations and manufacturing.

Mortimore is a member of the editorial board of Food Control, and is a member of the board of trustees for the Royal Institute of Public Health in London. She is a published author of a number of papers and has contributed several chapters to books on food safety and management. Mortinore earned her master of science degree from Leicester University in the United Kingdom. She is appointed as an at-large member to fulfill a four-year term that expires June 30, 2012 and replaces Bill Newman on the task force.

The Food Safety and Defense Task Force advises the Department of Agriculture and legislature on food issues and food safety. The 15 member task force includes nine members appointed by the Governor.