Lucia Anelich receives Honorary Life Membership of SAAFoST

Prof Lucia Anelich, a member of the ICMSF, has been awarded Honorary Life Membership of the South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) in recognition of her exceptional and sustained contribution to food science and food safety.

The award recognises Lucia’s longstanding commitment to advancing food safety, strengthening professional standards and supporting the development of the food science community in South Africa and beyond. Over the course of her career, she has played a pivotal role in shaping dialogue around food safety policy, risk communication and capacity building, while mentoring and guiding emerging professionals in the sector.

Honorary Life Membership is one of SAAFoST’s highest accolades, conferred on individuals whose work has had a lasting impact on the profession and the broader food value chain. Lucia’s influence spans academia, industry and regulatory engagement, reflecting a career defined by integrity, collaboration and an unwavering focus on public health.

Responding to the announcement, Prof Anelich said:

“I am absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to have been awarded Honorary Life Membership of SAAFoST, a recognition I truly cherish.

There are so many people who have supported and guided me along this journey that I hesitate to name individuals for fear of omitting someone, but you know who you are, and I am deeply grateful.”

As SAAFoST honours her with this lifetime distinction, the recognition stands as a testament to both her individual achievements and the collective effort of the community she has helped to nurture.