Kaarin Goodburn, Chilled Food Association (CFA) secretary general, has been awarded an MBE for services to the food industry in the Queen’s 2008 Birthday Honours List.

With a background in biochemistry, applied molecular biology and food science, Goodburn has worked with CFA since its launch in 1989 - mostly as a consultant to the association. She is responsible for the development of CFA, including its policies, activities and relationships with members, government and the media.

Goodburn is a member of numerous expert working groups and committees in the UK and internationally, and a board member of a wide range of research projects and organisations. She is a chartered scientist, fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology, member of the International Association for Food Protection and member of the Society for Applied Microbiology.

Goodburn said: “This award is quite a surprise and a great honour recognising not only my work personally but also the standing and positive contribution of CFA in public life.”

CFA represents some two thirds of UK chilled prepared food production and has 21 member companies with 100 plants employing more than 40,000 staff. The sector produces around 12,000 different chilled food products at any one time.