U.S – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has commissioned 13 new members and 17 returning members to the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF).

NACMCF provides scientific advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on public health issues relative to the safety and wholesomeness of the U.S. food supply. This includes development of microbiological criteria and review and evaluation of epidemiological and risk assessment data and methodologies for assessing microbiological hazards in foods.

The committee was established in 1988, in response to a recommendation of the National Academy of Sciences for an interagency approach to microbiological criteria for foods, and in response to a recommendation of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, as expressed in the Rural Development, Agriculture, and Related Agencies Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 1988.

Members of the committee are chosen based on their expertise in microbiology, risk assessment, epidemiology, public health, food science, and other relevant disciplines. One individual affiliated with a consumer group is included in the membership of the committee to serve in a representational capacity.

“As we invest in strengthening our food systems by supporting improved production and processing, NACMCF members offer expert advice on scientific and technical food safety issues. These individuals will play a significant role in helping to ensure the safety of our nation’s food supply,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The activities of NACMCF are carried out, in part, by subcommittees that are focused on specific areas being considered by the full committee. NACMCF has made important contributions to a broad range of critical food safety issues.

The committee reports provide current information and scientific advice to federal food safety agencies and serve as a foundation for regulations and programs aimed at reducing foodborne disease and enhancing public health.

Federal food safety agencies involved with NACMCF are FSIS, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Commerce National Marine Fisheries Service, and Department of Defense Veterinary Services.

NACMCF has scheduled a public meeting of the full committee and subcommittees from November 17, 2021 to November 19, 2021 to deliberate on how to enhance Salmonella control in poultry products and Cyclospora cayetanensis contamination.

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