Lucie Catiau has been appointed as the new cantonal chemist for the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, and will also serve as the head of the Office of Consumer Affairs (OFCO). The appointment, announced on Thursday, February 26, 2026, marks a significant step in the development and strengthening of the office, which is responsible for ensuring food safety and quality.
Catiau will assume her new role on April 1, 2026, succeeding Christian Richard, who retired in October 2025. Claude Ramseier has been serving as interim and will assist with the transition. The Council of State highlighted that Catiau’s profile “meets all the necessary conditions for maintaining the quality of services provided by a laboratory recognized nationally.”
With over fifteen years of experience in the highly regulated fields of food safety and the pharmaceutical industry, Catiau brings a wealth of expertise to the position. Her experience also includes leadership of highly specialized teams and change management. Officials stated her ability to set clear directions and guide change will be a major asset to the office, providing the structure and stability it needs.
A chemist by training, Catiau will focus on anticipating emerging risks, including those related to PFAS, micropollutants, and new food sources. The canton also announced she will adopt a proactive approach to crisis management, product recalls, and public communication to enhance trust and transparency. This move underscores the importance of proactive consumer protection measures in the region.
The Office of Consumer Affairs’ primary mission is to guarantee the quality and safety of food products to protect the health and confidence of consumers. The Council of State emphasized that Catiau’s appointment ensures the continuity of this essential state function. More information on the appointment can be found here, and additional details are available from 24 Heures.
