In accordance with President Trump’s directive to streamline federal operations and cut costs, the US Department of Agriculture has officially disbanded two vital food safety advisory committees.
A USDA spokesperson confirmed that the department has phased out the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) and the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI).
The annual budget for both committees totaled approximately $300,000, which was allocated for staff support and travel reimbursements for committee members, as per agency records.
The USDA spokesperson emphasized that Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins “fully supports the President’s directive to improve government, eliminate inefficiencies, and strengthen USDA’s many services to the American people.”
Furthermore, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will persist in its mission to ensure the safety, wholesomeness, and proper labeling of meat, poultry, and egg products for consumers.
Initially formed in 1971, the NACMPI aimed to provide the Secretary of Agriculture with guidance regarding federal and state inspection program activities.
Similarly, the NACMCF, established in 1988, offered scientific advice and recommendations to the USDA and other government bodies concerning microbiological and public health issues related to food safety.
Commenting on the dissolution of these essential committees, Consumer Reports food policy director Brian Ronholm stated: “The termination of these two important advisory committees is very alarming and should serve as a warning to consumers that food safety will not be a priority at USDA in the foreseeable future.”
Ronholm continued, “These expert panels provide impartial scientific advice and recommendations to USDA, FDA, and the CDC on public health issues related to food safety in the US. The failure to recognize and leverage the value of this scientific expertise is dangerous and irresponsible.”
