Vikan, the leading hygiene cleaning equipment manufacturers, has appointed Deb Smith as its new Global R&D Manager/Hygiene Specialist.

Former Research Manager in Campden BRI's Food Hygiene Dept and a specialist in environmental hygiene and management/control of cross-contamination, Smith, in this dual purpose role, will work closely with both Vikan and their customers to achieve maximum hygiene control both today and in the future.

Customers can not only benefit from her hygiene experience, through utilisation of the advice and training she can provide, but also work with her to solve their specific hygiene issues, improve future cleaning equipment design and generate new or improved cleaning concepts.

Smith will also be managing Vikan's future development of effective, efficient, ergonomic and hygienically designed cleaning equipment and liaising with the scientific and trade communities to ensure Vikan are up to speed with all the latest trends/issues in environmental hygiene.

On a broader level, she plans to continue researching environmental hygiene issues and deliver factual information to encourage rational, evidence-based debate on the development of improved cleaning concepts.